Press Room

12/02/2010

WORKING TOGETHER FOR A HEALTHIER BOROUGH

Solutions SK School Meals team recently exhibited at the healthy weight strategy launch.

Stockport Council and NHS Stockport have launched a long-term vision which aims to develop a joint approach to promoting healthy weight in the borough.

The aim of the plan is to make sure a wide range of partners in Stockport are working together towards an environment that encourages maintaining a healthy weight, and in turn helps to prevent obesity and creates a healthier borough.

National statistics show that around two thirds of adults in the UK are overweight or obese and a third of children. It is predicted that by 2050, over half of UK adults will be obese. Without action, it is estimated that the wider costs to society and business could reach around £50 billion per year.

In Stockport 65% of adults and 22% of children are estimated to be overweight or obese.

The vision for the borough - including partners such as Stockport Sports Trust, North West Centre for Eating Disorders, Age Concern, schools and residents - promotes the benefits of maintaining a healthy weight amongst all sections of the community. This in turn will help to prevent diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.

The Council, NHS Stockport and other local partners have already been working hard to promote health and wellbeing through national and local initiatives such as Active Stockport, All Together Active, Stockport Boost, Change4Life and Keep It Off For Good.

Councillor John Pantall, Executive Member for Adults and Health, at Stockport Council, said: “At times, we seem to be bombarded by the media to lose weight and to keep fit. However, due to the multi-faceted nature of maintaining a healthy weight, it is clear that it isn’t always a straightforward case of eating less and exercising more. Particularly for older people, it is equally important to ensure a healthy nutritious diet to avoid becoming underweight.

“This ten year vision highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy weight by addressing the settings and the environment, not just the individual.”

Stephen Watkins, Director of Public Health at NHS Stockport, added: “Obesity involves social, economic and cultural dimensions. For example we need to promote exercise as part of everyday life, like walking or cycling to work and using stairs instead of lifts. If we all work together we can make Stockport a place where healthier lifestyles are not just easier but are actually fun.“

For more information on ways to get active in Stockport call 0161 443 4070 or visit www.stockport.gov.uk/active

Change4Life is a national campaign encouraging people to eat well, move more and live longer. For more information visit www.nhs.uk/change4life

Pictured: Members of the School Meals team at the exhibition.