Shocking results of BMI fat map inspire ‘let’s beat it together in Rossendale’ campaign

Date published: 22/02/2010

New data reveals that the average person in Rossendale is clinically overweight with a BMI of 27.9 . Now anyone concerned about their weight and health, or that of their family or loved ones, is being invited to join a campaign to tackle obesity in the area.

The ‘Let’s Beat It Together in Rossendale’ campaign has been launched by Slimming World after their UK BMI map showed that more than two out of three people in the North West are overweight or obese, placing them at risk of conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

The national slimming club has now launched a community weight loss challenge in key parts of the region. The Haslinden, Stacksteads, Rawtenstall, Bacup and Whitworth groups are on a mission to raise awareness in the local community of the benefits of healthy eating and moderate activity. The message is that with the right support, making small changes to our daily routines can be easy and can make a huge difference to our lives and the lives of our loved ones. The campaign will encourage local residents in communities across the whole nation to join a 12 week challenge to tackle obesity.

Beth, a consultant for Whitworth, says: “The statistics are shocking and what’s more worrying is their impact on our communities. Weight is a worry for so many of us. It affects how we feel, our happiness and wellbeing. Those who are overweight know they ought to do something about it, but many just don’t know where to turn for help. They beat themselves up feeling guilty about their weight and increasingly, their children’s weight. It’s the lucky ones who find Slimming World and discover a world of empathy, compassion and warmth and real solutions.

“We’re calling on everyone in the community, including schools, GPs, parents and local authorities, to come along and find out how we really can help to make a difference.

“The ‘Let’s Beat It Together in Rossendale’ campaign is all about spreading the word about the benefits of losing even a relatively small amount of weight. Losing between 5% and 10% of body weight can have real health benefits and significantly reduces the risks of obesity related conditions which can include diabetes, heart disease, stroke and even cancer.

“By making people aware of the obesity risks and giving them practical, realistic solutions and effective support to make small changes towards a healthier, happier lifestyle, we’re hoping to make a real difference. An eating plan encourages slimmers to fill up on basic, everyday foods like pasta, potatoes, lean meat, fish and plenty of fruit and vegetables so that they never feel hungry, they lose weight beautifully and they keep it off for good.”

The campaign launches in local groups from 22 February 2010 and the organisers are hoping the community focus will help give people a common goal – to inspire each other to lose between 5% and 10% of their weight in 12 weeks and make Rossendale a healthier place.

Beth continues: “Losing weight on your own is hard. That’s why every group promises, without exception, courage, love, friendship, compassion and empathy. Consultants have all experienced taking that first step and understand the courage it takes to walk through the doors that very first time - and the commitment that it takes to change habits that often have existed for a whole lifetime.”

One person who will definitely be joining the campaign is local member Barbara who joined the Whitworth group in August 09 and lost 4 Stone in 6 months.

“It’s certainly working for me! The support I receive from my group has made a huge difference to the way that I feel. I’m not only healthier; I’m already fitter and much happier as a result. And my whole family’s feeling the benefits – we’re all eating more healthily together, building more activity into our regular routines – what seemed impossible before I joined my group just somehow seems easy now. And I know I’ve added years to my life too!”

As part of Slimming World’s commitment to beating obesity, the company has pledged to give the group with the highest average weight loss during the 12 week challenge £1,000 for a community project of their choice.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the ‘Let’s Beat It Together’ campaign should go along to their nearest local group.
For further information on the Let’s Beat It Together in Rossendale campaign contact Beth on 07919 886 393 or email bethanie.lewis@btinternet.com