The county’s obesity epidemic is being tackled head on in Wandsworth where more than half of adults are classified as overweight.
Britain is the ‘fat capital’ of Europe, as obesity is estimated to affect around one in every four adults and around one in every five children aged 10 to 11 in the UK.
More people are dying in Britain due to being overweight or obese than anywhere else in Europe, Wandsworth Council are urging residents to embrace healthy lifestyles ahead of national obesity awareness week.
“Obesity can lead to a number of serious and potentially life-threatening conditions including type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer,” said Dr Nicola Jones, chair of NHS Wandsworth Clinical Commissioning Group.
The NHS Wandsworth Clinical Commissioning Group has teamed up with the council to support the national obesity awareness week which takes place 12 – 18 January.
Around one in every 11 deaths in the UK is now linked to carrying excess fat – 50% more than the rate in France – and experts said the number of fatalities due to obesity may soon exceed those caused by smoking for the first time ever.
However, small lifestyle changes such as being more physically active, following a healthy, balanced diet and cutting down on sugary snacks can make a difference.
The most recent survey found that 52% of adults in Wandsworth were classified as obese or overweight compared to a London average of 57% and the national average of 64%.
Picture courtesy of Tony Alter, with thanks
