Obesity is a growing problem. 1 in 4 adults in the UK are considered to be obese and research indicates that this could increase by 50% by 2050. In addition, almost 25% of children are considered to be obese by the time that they leave primary school.

In order to solve this ever-expanding problem, we need to tackle obesity now.

It is possible to face obesity and beat it. From the 12th - 18th January, National Obesity Awareness Week (NAOW) asks the UK to join together in a National New Year’s resolution to help improve the health of the entire nation. National Obesity Awareness Week helps to promote the ways in which the government, businesses and each and every one of us can make a difference and improve our health indefinitely. 

1. Get Involved

National Obesity Awareness Week makes it simple for you to get involved and kickstart your long-term, healthier lifestyle. To begin, you can make your own health related New Year’s resolution. The aim is to focus on small changes that you and your family can easily maintain, whether it’s swapping unhealthy snacks for nutritious snacks or cooking with fresh ingredients, it is these small health changes that can have a big impact on your wellbeing. 

Obesity Awareness Week also hold events, activities and promotions throughout the UK to encourage you, your family and friends to get involved and stay focused on reaching your health goals. Events include free BMI (Body Mass Index) checking, dance classes, food tasting and health check MOT’s.

2. Health & Fitness

Enjoying a healthy lifestyle and losing weight isn’t just about eating the right foods, it is also about getting out and being active. Maintaining regular exercise is key to beating obesity, however this does not mean that you have to immediately join your local gym. There are many other ways to add physical activity into your daily life; family bike rides at the weekend, taking brisk walks after work or joining your friends at lively exercise classes. There is no one simple answer for everyone - exercise and fitness should be based on what you enjoy, how much time you have and your budget. 

3. Eat Right

Eating right doesn’t have to be hard. Improving your diet is one of the simplest changes that you can make to improve your health and lose weight. Many of us fall into the habit of trading healthy foods for lower cost alternatives and convenience foods. However, eating healthily doesn’t have to be inconvenient and expensive. National Obesity Awareness Week provide nutritional information, healthy recipes, food guides and tips on how to cook healthy meals that are exciting and full of flavour.

4. Lose Weight

National Obesity Awareness Week is coordinated by the National Obesity Forum - an organisation of medical professionals and charities who aim to support those who are very overweight or obese.  If you want to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle but don’t know where to start, the National Obesity Forum can help you achieve your goals by providing structured weight management programmes, meal replacements and consultations, either in a group or on an individual basis, aimed to educate and motivate. 

This is the year that you make a change. Join the Nation’s resolution and together we can beat obesity. 

For further information about weight loss medication that can be used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet and exercise please click below:

For additional advice and treatments, please click on you medical condition below: