Public Health England have launched a major new adult health campaign to seize the opportunity for a national reset moment of health, and the EFL Trust FIT FANS Programme is part of the campaign.
Nearly two thirds (63%) of adults in the UK are overweight or living with obesity (1) and this extra weight can cause pressure to build up around vital organs, making it harder for the body to fight against diseases like cancer and heart disease. By reducing your weight within a healthy range, you can also cut your risk of being critically ill with COVID-19.
Throughout the season, EFL Clubs and Club Community Organisations (CCOs) deliver a number of programmes to help individuals reduce their weight and improve their overall physical health.
Fleetwood Town’s Community Trust holds multiple health and wellbeing sessions that benefit the local community. The Fleetwood Town Flyers, in partnership with the Trust, host walking football sessions, which promote health and wellbeing, and encourages participants to get out in the fresh air, in a fun and friendly footballing environment.
They are also starting a programme in September called ‘Tackling Inequalities’. This programme, in conjunction with Wyre Borough Council, Regenda Homes and West View Community Centre, will encourage socialisation and break down the barriers to activity caused by the recent pandemic through a range of fun and engaging programmes.
To improve health and wellbeing, individuals should aim to have a BMI below 25 and above 18.5. (2) NICE recommends that Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups should aim to have a BMI below 23 and above 18.5 to avoid risks to health. (3)
To support people to live healthier lives, Public Health England’s Better Health campaign provides a variety of tools and apps to help you make healthier food choices, become more active and prevent future weight gain. One of these tools is a Weight Loss Plan app, which provides 12 weeks’ worth of engaging content that can be personalised and tailored to the goals and needs of the individual.
For help and support to lose weight, visit nhs.uk/BetterHealth.
REFERENCES
- Health Survey for England 2018
- Health Survey for England 2016
- NICE recommendations 1–18 in Preventing type 2 diabetes: risk identification and interventions for individuals at high risk (public health guidance 38).