Taking Care of our health this Summer with support from Better Health
Over 1 in 4 of us has put on weight since the first lockdown in March 2020, according to recent research. We’ve been doing more comfort eating and snacking, alongside staying at home more due to restrictions. Now it’s time to get our health back on track. A new campaign from Better Health has launched to encourage adults across the nation to lose any excess weight, eat more healthily and get active this summer. Better Health offers a range of free tools and support that can help people to lead a healthier lifestyle.
Why now?
- 46% of adults say snacking and comfort eating during lockdown contributed to their weight gain
Extra weight puts pressure on our bodies, making it harder for us to fight off chronic diseases. But small changes every day can help us lose weight and feel healthier. - Nearly 30% of adults are currently classified as ‘inactive’ and report less than 30 minutes of physical activity
For many of us, lockdown has led to us being less active. We can start small and build up their exercise levels gradually. - 89% of people want to get healthier as restrictions ease, and 57% want more advice on doing so
Using evidence-based support, such as the free NHS Weight Loss Plan app, has been shown to help people lose nearly a stone (5.8kg) on average over just 12 weeks.
Start making changes
The Better Health site has a range of evidence-based tools to help people change their eating habits, get more active and lose weight.
Support to lose weight
- Start your journey to better health with the free NHS Weight Loss Plan. Download the app (on the App Store or Google Play Store) to help you start healthier eating habits, be more active and start losing weight
- Visit nhs.uk/BetterHealth for tips and advice about how to lose weight. There are a range of weight- loss programmes available from campaign partners
- BMI calculator – you can use this tool on the NHS website to find out your BMI
Support to get active
- NHS Couch to 5K – download the app (on the App Store or Google Play Store) to help you gradually work up towards running 5K, or running for 30 minutes, in just 9 weeks
- NHS Active 10 – download the Active 10 app (on the App Store or Google Play Store) to start tracking your brisk walking minutes today
Support to eat more healthily
- NHS Easy meals – to help you stay on top of your calorie intake, download the Easy Meals app (on the App Store or Google Play Store) and find delicious and healthy meal ideas and recipes
- NHS Food Scanner – download the app (on the App Store or Google Play Store) and use the Food Scanner app to see how much sugar, saturated fat and salt is in everyday food and drink