TODAY marks the start of National Obesity Awareness Week – and Warrington Borough council’s public health team is encouraging people to make lifestyle changes that can lead to improved health and wellbeing.
The annual campaign week is organised by the National Obesity Forum and is this year focusing on predictions suggesting more than 50 per cent of UK adults could be obese by 2050 because of poor dietary choices and sedentary lifestyles.
Supporters are encouraged to make a pledge towards a healthier lifestyle and implement one to two simple and sustainable changes to eating and exercise habits that can lead to long term benefits. 
Most estimates suggest that Warrington obesity rates are just below the averages for both the North West and England.
Recent data from last year’s Warrington adult lifestyle survey has revealed that 35.7 per cent of adults are overweight and 19.3 per cent of adults are obese in the town.
In 2012/13 obesity rates in reception children were 7.8 per cent and in Year Six children 16.7 per cent.
These rates are below both the England and North West prevalence figures.
Cllr Pat Wright (pictured), the council’s lead member for health, wellbeing and adult services, said: “Promoting the importance of a healthy, balanced lifestyle is a key aim within Warrington’s strategy for healthy weight. We want people to know that there are support services and community groups out there that can provide advice and information about making healthy lifestyle changes.”
The Change4Life campaign supports families to feel healthier and happier by eating less and moving more.
“Smart Swaps” encourages people to cut back on sugar, fat and calories by swapping everyday food and drinks for lower fat or sugar free alternatives.
By signing up to “Smart Swaps” families can receive money off vouchers and meal ideas to help them reach a healthy lifestyle goal.
LiveWire is the main provider of weight management services in Warrington. For more information visit www.livewirewarrington.co.uk/lifestyle
Residents urged change your lifestyle
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
