NEARLY two thirds of adults in the West Midlands are overweight or obese while Public Health England issue a national warning.
Public Health England (PHE) launched its new ‘One You’ campaign to help people tackle the ‘calorie creep’ that sees 64 of adults in Coventry and 62 per cent of adults in Solihull an unhealthy weight.
Both areas are over the UK average of 61 per cent overweight and are approaching the red threat level of around 65 per cent.
The West Midlands average weight is 64 per cent.
PHE claim that adults nationally are consuming 200-300 more calories than they need each day.
The new campaign hopes adults will aim for a 400-600-600 calorie scheme.
That’s around 400 calories for breakfast, 600 for lunch and 600 for dinner, plus a couple of healthier snacks and drinks in-between.
It says excess calories are contributing to our country’s growing obesity problem, causing a range of health issues including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and some cancers.
It also wants to discourage people from consuming high-calorie food provided by eating out and switch to healthier choices.
Figures show adults consume around a quarter of their calories from ‘eating out’.
According to estimations, treating obesity is costing the NHS £6billion a year.
Major retailers – including Greggs, McDonalds, Starbucks and Subway – say they will provide a range of options to help shoppers find 400 and 600 calorie meals.
This will make healthier choices easier for their millions of customers across the UK.
Dr Lola Abudu, PHE West Midlands Director of Health and Wellbeing, said: “It’s clear that excess calories are driving weight gain for many. Busy lives and too much food mean we’re often eating more food than we realise – especially when we’re grabbing food out and about. This can have a significant impact on our waistlines and our health.
“The 400-600-600 tip can help people make healthier choices when eating and drinking on the go.
“It’s encouraging to see major high street companies promoting lower calorie options and we hope more will follow suit.”
As part of the campaign, adults will be signposted to 400 and 600 calorie meal options by partners through advertising, in-store promotion, social media and other online channels.
All meals are below maximum recommendations for sugar, saturated fat, salt and calories to help people choose healthier options at-a-glance.
