Warning over Leeds '˜calorie creep'

Leeds Rhinos have teamed up with Jamie Oliver to support a health campaign to tackle over-eating among the city's adults.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Apr 2018, 14:13 BST
Updated 14th Apr 2018, 14:16 BST
PIC: PAPIC: PA
PIC: PA

The Rugby League club and the celebrity chef’s Ministry of Food are supporting an initiative to tackle “calorie creep”.

Health experts have warned that an obesity crisis is being fuelled by adults consuming up to 300 more calories a day than they need.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Healthy living service One You Leeds has launched a nutrition campaign offering free advice to help people stay within healthy calorie levels.

It includes a free recipe booklet containing easy meals to help people stick to a healthy daily calorie count.

Sally-Ann O’Connor, of One You Leeds, said: “We aim to raise awareness of healthier meal options for adults in Leeds. Our free recipe booklet is a great place to start. You’ll find lots of great ideas for maintaining a healthy calorie count and making a positive step towards improving your family’s lifestyle.”

Events to promote the campaign will include a free cooking session by Jamie’s Ministry of Food at Leeds Kirkgate Market on Friday, May 11.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Health experts say consuming excess calories contributes to health conditions including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and some cancers.

As well as causing people personal ill-health, the cost to the NHS of treating obesity-related conditions is around £6bn a year.

Latest figures show that two thirds of middle-aged adults in England are classified as overweight or obese.

For more information about the campaign, log on to www.oneyouleeds.co.uk

Daily calorie count advice

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The recommended daily intake of calories is 2,000 for women and 2,500 for men.

But adults are consuming between 200 and 300 more calories than they need each day on average, Public Health England has estimated.

The healthy eating nutrition campaign by One You Leeds aims to help people stick to 400 calories at breakfast, 600 at lunch and 600 at dinner, plus one or two healthy snacks and drinks in between.

One You Leeds is offering free access to health coaches who can help people improve their diet.

Healthy living advice is also available from the NHS website www.nhs.uk/Livewell

Related topics:LeedsLeeds Rhinos