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Obesity crackdown could save the NHS £100 million

28th July 2020

Matt Sanders

Boris Johnson is calling for the nation to lose weight this summer to save the NHS £100 million and tackle the Coronavirus.

The government’s ‘Better Health’ campaign comes after new research by Public Health England revealed overweight or obese people are at significantly higher risk of suffering severe Coronavirus symptoms if they contract the disease.

The study found that being classed as medically obese increases the risk of dying from the virus by 40%.

According to official government data, 63% of adults in the UK are above a healthy weight. Of those, 36% are classed as overweight and 28% obese.

Currently, one in three children aged 10 and 11 are overweight or obese, and children living with obesity are five times more likely to be obese in adulthood – a figure we’re keen to help reduce here at Paragon Structures.

The government’s strategy includes extending NHS weight loss services, GPs handing out ‘cycling prescriptions’, and introducing more segregated cycle lanes to our roads. Patients will be able to access bikes through participating doctor’s surgeries. Meanwhile, low-traffic neighbourhoods and secure bike parking could also be introduced to encourage more people to get cycling.

The plan also includes a ban on TV junk food adverts before 9pm and an outright ban of junk food ads online.

As the NHS prepares for a possible second spike in Coronavirus cases this autumn, the aim is to encourage 35 million people to be more active, lose weight and live healthier lives.

Johnson has previously criticised taxes on foods that are high in sugar, salt and fat. However, it’s thought that his stay in intensive care and treatment for Covid-19 has played a part in his shift in opinion.

A Government spokeswoman said: “Covid-19 has given us all a wake-up call of the immediate and long-term risks of being overweight, and the Prime Minister is clear we must use this moment to get healthier, more active and eat better.”

Tackling obesity by providing the right facilities

At Paragon Structures, we’re committed to tackling obesity in people of all ages. Creating buildings that serve the local community is a key priority and we work hard to get people engaged in physical activity by providing the sporting facilities they need to do so.

Our modern, eco-friendly, tension fabric structures make sport more accessible, and our quick-build technology means structures are completed faster and for less money.

We recently completed cricket and golf training centres at Millfield School in Somerset, which can be used by both pupils and the wider community. If you would like to find out more about our structures and learn how we can help your community get more active, contact the team today.

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