Healthy Weight & Physical Exercise
Worldwide, the level of obesity (defined as a BMI of over 30) has tripled since 1975 and in England the proportion of adults considered to be overweight or obese is approaching two thirds of the population. Obesity is linked with serious long term conditions including: type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers, as well as musculoskeletal and mental health issues.
Obesity is a chronic, complex health condition with multiple factors impacting its development. Over 100 different factors have been identified1, including genetics, psychology, environment and societal. Despite this, it is a commonly held belief that weight loss is solely an individual’s responsibility. This can lead to weight stigma – the negative stereotyping of people based on body weight – which can cause considerable harm.
In Central Bedfordshire two out of every three adults are overweight or living with obesity. To help address this a new service called Choose You was launched in 2025, which provides easier access to help in creating healthier habits. In addition the NHS provides a Digital Weight Loss Programme and a Diabetes Prevention Programme.
For more information on healthy weight in Central Bedfordshire, please see the report from the Director of Public Health below.
References
1. Butland, B., Jebb, S., Kopelman, P., McPherson, K., Thomas, S., Mardell, J., & Parry, V. (2007). Tackling obesities: future choices-project report (Vol. 10, p. 17). London: Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills. [PDF]