Leeds residents warned about obesity

Today (Thursday 4 March) is World Obesity Day which aims to raise awareness of obesity and tackle the issue globally.

Obesity is classed as a ‘chronic relapsing condition’ which impacts on both physical and mental health.

Now Leeds City Council’s obesity champion Councillor Hannah Bithell, and a range of citywide health partners, have come together to create a clearer understanding and explore opportunities to develop support and challenge the preconceptions and stigmatisation which people living with obesity can experience.

Councillor Bithell said: “With 800 million people across the world living with obesity it is vital that we work together to tackle this growing health crisis.

“The health issues surrounding obesity are many and varied but perhaps the most resonant at the moment is the fact that people living with obesity are twice as likely to be hospitalised if they test positive for COVID-19.

“We know that people feel the effects of their disease in more than just a physical way and we need to support them and challenge the pre-conceptions and stigmatisation that exist.”

She continues: “World Obesity Day is as much about education and awareness raising as it is about anything else. We need to make sure people feel secure in sharing their own stories so that we can make the right changes to tackle this global issue.

“With this in mind I am happy to share my own experience of living with obesity. It impacts so much on my day to day life. I have tried diet after diet to try and lose weight and I have a consistent internalised and externalised stigma to battle with. It is hard being in a world designed for people without obesity when you live with this disease.”

The campaign comes as the Government has announced £100 million funding to support children, adults and families achieve and maintain a healthier weight. Over £70 million will be invested into weight management services – made available through the NHS and councils – enabling up to 700,000 adults to access support that can help them lose weight, from access to digital apps, weight management groups or individual coaches, to specialist clinical support.

The remaining £30 million will fund initiatives to help people maintain a healthy weight, including access to the free NHS 12-week weight loss plan app and continuing the successful Better Health marketing campaign to motivate people to make healthier choices.