A shocking Gateshead health report reveals that more 70% of adults are overweight or obese.
Seven in 10 adults are carrying excess weight in the borough, in comparison to the national average of 62.8%.
A report, delivered to councillors on Friday morning, also shows that a quarter of year six children (24.9%) are also obese or "severely obese". Gateshead has also seen a year-on-year increase, since 2009, of 5.8% of GP patients diagnosed with diabetes.
Now, 7.9% of Gateshead residents have some form of diabetes.
These statistics are compounded by an ageing population according to the document. It is estimated that by 2043 29% of Gateshead's population will be over 65 years old.
These statistics have prompted Gateshead Council to explore how to encourage physical exercise throughout the borough. However, this is fraught with challenges.
According to the report: "The Covid-19 pandemic has been devastating for many individuals and communities and it has both highlighted and exacerbated inequalities in Gateshead. Even before the pandemic, many aspects of modern life made it harder to live a healthy and active life.
"New technology at home and work, convenience food, more sedentary jobs, and the growth in leisure activities such as gaming have all played a part. Many of us need to make a conscious decision to build physical activity into our daily lives."
Other barriers to physical exercise in Gateshead include difficulties in accessing green space and open spaces owing to a fear of crime or antisocial behaviour. The cost of living crisis has also seriously affected people's ability to participate in exercise or sports.
Council officers told elected officials Gateshead Council must enact a "person-centred, bottom-up approach". Council officers have recommended the council engage with community groups and clubs to access funding and training opportunities to reach less active groups.
Officers also recommend the council adopt its sports and leisure offer to better meet the needs of groups who are excluded from the exercise.
Councillors requested more regular updates on the progress encouraging residents to engage more in physical activity.
Read More:
- Northumbria NHS Trust aims to reduce medication delays for Parkinson's patients
- Newcastle mental health wards 'not fit for purpose' warns regulator as NHS trust told it must improve
- Police reveal staggering 118 people arrested over Grand National protests by Animal Rising
- More than half of the British public support junior doctors going on strike, new poll suggests
- 'Heart hero' family back junior doctors strike action and pay tribute to medics who 'go above and beyond'
