High obesity levels in Tewkesbury borough spark council health strategy
SHOCKING figures have revealed a quarter of Tewkesbury residents are obese.
The statistics, released by the borough council, said 25 per cent of adults in the area are overweight.
And 16 per cent of the area's 11-year-olds are classed as obese too.
Now the borough council is planning to take action to help people slim down. Residents are being asked for their views on a range of ideas aimed at improving health and well-being in their community. The council is developing a Health and Well-being Strategy for the borough and wants to hear residents' feedback.
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The consultation, which will run until May 24, asks for views on a range of actions within the strategy, which will enable healthier lives and opportunities.
Actions range from delivering health sessions for older people in community centres and improving council play areas, to using sport and physical activity as a diversion from antisocial behaviour. Council bosses believe the consultation will be an important way of finding out local people's views and attitudes on health.
Its lead member for safer, stronger and healthier communities is Councillor Claire Wright (C, Tewkesbury Prior's Park).
She said: "Health is important to every single one of us so we're encouraging all residents to let us know what they think of our ideas.
"The advantages of living a healthy lifestyle can be wide-ranging, and can have a really positive effect on general well-being and mental health.
"As part of this consultation, we want people to think about, and let us know, what would inspire them to live a healthier lifestyle."
The figures provided by the council come despite Tewkesbury having been targeted for a major health campaign.
Using national funding, agencies spent £2.4 million on the Count Me In! project, between 2008 and 2011. Initiatives were held to try to increase people's physical activity, time spent outside and consumption of fruit and vegetables. Two outdoor gyms were also created.
Residents can give their views by visiting www.tewkesbury.gov.uk/activelifestyles or by completing a form, available at Cascades Leisure Centre, GP surgeries and libraries in the borough.
A full copy of the draft strategy is available on the council's website.
Comments
by Ted_F
Sunday, March 17 2013, 7:39PM
“Be fair, I cannot do any more to improve your obesity figures (I moved to Somerset!)”