NHS Haringey tackles weighty issue with top tips (From Haringey Independent)

NHS Haringey tackles weighty issue with top tips

7:00am Wednesday 10th March 2010 in

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OVERWEIGHT adults in Haringey are being advised on how to lose weight without having to give up on their guilty pleasures.

The 'Swap it, Don't stop it' campaign forms part of the Government's national drive to get adults aged between 45 and 65 to lose weight to reduce the risk of obesity-related illnesses like diabetes.

Leaflets advising the borough's residents on swapping a bad habit for a better habit will appear at health centres and GP practices this month.

Some of the tips include swapping bigger portions for a smaller plate, adding fruit to cereal or vegetables to pizza and even having a white wine spritzer in place of an alcoholic beverages that are much higher like beer.

Susan Otiti, director of public health for NHS Haringey and Haringey Council, said: "Losing weight, improving your diet and increasing the amount of activity you do can help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by more than 50 percent.

"If you start making some of these swaps today and if you stick to them long term, you’ll begin to lose weight and feel better."

Figures published by the Greater London Authority in 2006, suggested that more than 107,738 adults in Haringey are either overweight or obese.

Black African and Caribbean women, Pakistani women, black Caribbean men and Irish men were deemed to be some of those most at risk of weight gain.

NHS Haringey is also urging residents to get more active in addition to healthy eating for better results.

To find out about activities in Haringey visit www.nhs.uk/change4life and select 'my local area' and for more information about walking or cycling routes visit www.nhs.uk/letsgetmoving