16 walk gurus to combat flab with 59% fat

SIXTEEN “walk leaders” have been trained at Gransha Park in Londonderry to lead the fight against flab in the North West as figures reveal nearly two out of three adults in Northern Ireland are fat.

The Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) Health Improvement Department is encouraging local people to ‘Walk for Health’ and ‘fight the flab’. Sixteen local walk leaders were recently trained in Gransha Park and will now encourage their friends, families, work colleagues or local community groups to enhance their health and well-being by staying active and maintaining a healthy weight through participating in a walking group.

Trust Health Improvement Officer Lesley Finlay commented: “A Framework for Preventing and Addressing Overweight and Obesity in Northern Ireland 2012-2022: ‘A Fitter Future for All’ was launched by Health Minister Edwin Poots on 9th March 2012 to encourage partnership working across all sectors to address obesity across the life course.

“There are many health benefits associated with walking including maintaining a healthy weight. Fifty-nine per cent of adults in Northern Ireland are either overweight (36 per cent) or obese (23 per cent). This is particularly alarming as evidence shows obesity cuts life expectancy by as much as nine years.”

Ms Finlay continued: “Walking on a regular basis can really help you meet this physical activity target and is an ideal form of physical activity for most people as it can be done anytime, anyplace with friends, family members or work colleagues. Walking is free, fun and alongside maintaining a healthy diet it has huge benefits for your health including weight management.”

If you are interested in being trained as a Volunteer Walk Leader or would like information about a Walking for Health group in your area, please contact Lesley Finlay on (028) 7186 5127.