Emma Reynolds, Labour MP for Wolverhampton North East and Shadow Housing Minister, is this week supporting National Obesity Awareness Week which runs from 12 January to 18 January.Nearly 70% of the adult population (people aged 16 and over) in Wolverhampton is estimated to be either overweight or obese. Obesity is also a growing problem amongst children. Being overweight or obese can have a detrimental effect on health.

Recently, Wolverhampton City Council hosted an obesity summit and the Council’s public health director, Ros Jervis and her team are backing a national campaign by Change4Life, which is calling on families to cut down on their sugar intake by making simple food and drink swaps at key times throughout the day.

Emma said “We all enjoy a sugary snack from time to time but campaigns like National Obesity Awareness Week help to remind us of the importance of eating healthily and doing regular exercise.

“The average person in Britain consumes about 700g of sugar a week – that’s the equivalent of 140 teaspoons – while one 500ml bottle of a fizzy drink can contain as much as 17 cubes of sugar. This level of sugar intake can help cause obesity and related health problems such as Type-2 diabetes.

“Obesity is a serious local issue and the problem may grow in the future as over 12% and 26% of children in Reception and Year 6 are obese. These figures are above the national average. I therefore want to congratulate Wolverhampton City Council for raising the issue of obesity and working to tackle its causes by engaging with schools and working with our local hospitals.

“I was pleased to attend the launch of WV Active, the new leisure offer from the Council covering the City’s three leisure centres, Central, Aldersley and Bert Williams. This will provide people in Wolverhampton with further opportunities to keep fit, including new classes. I know that the Council is leading by example as three councillors are currently undergoing a fitness challenge. I wish them the best of luck.”

You can support the initiative by logging any miles you walk, run or swim at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/wecantw8

January 2015