To combat the fact that overweight adults have a higher risk of developing serious diseases, leaders in health are launching a New Year Anti-Obesity Drive.
Six health benefits can be found in losing weight, as highlighted by the Government’s Better Health Initiative, which is supported by NHS.
The report warns that 63% of adult population are more at risk from serious illnesses due to their weight. This puts a strain on the public health system.

Leaders in health launch an anti-obesity campaign for the New Year today. This is to combat figures which show that overweight adults have a higher risk of developing serious illness (File photo)
In partnership with local councils, the city of Toronto and PureGym, people will have access to free or reduced weight loss programs. Officials from the Health Department encourage people to go to the campaign site for tips and advice about how to look good, such as improving diet and exercising more.
The Department of Health, the NHS, and other media support the campaign with ads on TV and radio.
These identify six health benefits of losing weight – namely reduced risk of 12 types of cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, severe Covid, high blood pressure, and back and joint pain.
Minister for Public Health Maggie Throup said that the Better Health Campaign is back today. It focuses on adults’ health and helps them lose weight.

Maggie Throup is the Minister for Public Health. She said, “The Better Health campaign” today. This campaign focuses on adult health and helping people lose weight.
“I wish people could use this to get moving and be healthier, especially since weight loss can make a huge difference in our overall health.
The National Guidelines recommend that you do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week or 20-30 minutes each day.
According to Better Health, “Physical activity is beneficial for both your mind and body regardless of how hard you work.”
“Adults should strive to be active each day. Some is good – more is better still.
“A daily brisk stroll can improve your energy, mood, and ease your everyday life.
This campaign encourages you to take up a hobby like gardening or standing, and challenge a friend for the daily best.
Some other tips for better health include drinking water instead of sugary drinks and avoiding tea.
Jeanelle de Gruchy is the deputy chief medical officer. She said, “The new year is an excellent time for making some positive changes.”
The Better Health campaign highlights the health benefits associated with losing weight, and offers resources and tools to help people make small health improvements.
Research suggests that even losing 5% of your body weight could significantly reduce your risk of getting heart disease.
Hilary Jones is a TV doctor and a GP. She said that there had been an ‘epidemic’ of obesity in Britain due to people staying at home during lockdowns.

Study results show that even losing 5% of your bodyweight can reduce your chances of suffering from heart disease. File image
He said, “These six benefits highlight both the negative impact of excess weight and the many benefits of losing weight.
“With Better Health” offers a range of NHS-endorsed resources, apps and online tools that can be used to make simple lifestyle changes.
Vanessa Hebditch from the British Liver Trust stated that obesity is an urgent public health crisis and needed immediate action.
Dan Howarth of Diabetes UK stated that “There are many factors which can increase your risk of developing type 2 Diabetes.”
“But, research has shown that obesity is one of the most risk factors for developing this condition. It accounts for between 80 and 85 percent of your chance of getting it.”
“The rising number of obese people is alarming. With 13.6 million people at greater risk for type 2 diabetes in the UK, it’s vital that we support people who are working to achieve a healthy weight.