30/06/09 - JACKSON ALAMED AT CITY COUCH POTATOES

A recently published Health Profile shows Peterborough dangerously lagging behind the rest of England in both physical activity and obesity rates.

The number of physically active children in Peterborough is significantly worse than the England average.  85.7% of Peterborough children spent at least 2 hours per week on physical activity.  The England average reported 90% of children being active.  12.6% of Peterborough children are classified as obese; whereas, the England average reported 9.6% of children as being obese.

The results for adults show the same picture.  The number of physically active adults, 7.7%, fall well below the England average, 10.8%.  Obesity results show that 27.0% of Peterborough adults are classified as obese; whereas, the England average of obese adults is 23.6%

Stewart commented:

“Clearly the results show a correlation between physical activity and obesity.  I am calling on the council and local health authorities to redouble their health efforts by encouraging participation in sports and other physical activities.

“Our residents deserve to be as healthy as possible and every effort should be made to ensure activities are readily available to make that a reality.”