Obesity & Walking

Over the last few days there has been a lot of talk and media interest in the role of obesity in Covid-19. The information published by Public Health England (PHE) would suggest that….

people with a BMI of 30-35, risk of death from COVID-19 increases by 40% and with a BMI over 40 by 90%, compared to those who were a healthier weight. Other data found that in intensive care units 7.9% of critically ill patients with COVID-19 had a BMI over 40 compared with 2.9% of the general population. (Duncan Selbie PHE 24 Jul 2020)

The most common causes of obesity are overeating and physical inactivity. As a result, the overall cost of obesity to the NHS are projected to reach £9.7 billion by 2050, with wider costs to society estimated to reach £49.9 billion per year. (PHE)

We also know that the best way to treat obesity is to eat a healthy, reduced-calorie diet and exercise regularly.

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

From helping people get fit and healthy and lowering their risk of illness, to improving air quality and cutting congestion, cycling and walking have a huge role to play in tackling some of the biggest health and environmental challenges that we face.

Now I am most certainly not going to preach what is right or wrong as I carry many more Kg that is good for me. I am not going to suggest what is the correct solution because I am neither a Doctor or Nutritionist. Nor will I go into the politics of the debate, I will leave that to the elected ‘experts’!

However, I do know of two organisations that have been working hard for many years to get everyone outside and doing some form of physical activity. I do, of course, refer to the Ordnance Survey and The Ramblers.

Both organisations have their respective programmes – the GetOuside Champions of the Ordnance Survey and the Summer FeelMore campaign by The Ramblers. Both organisations have apps that will help everyone to find their way in the great outdoors.

In the case of the Ordnance Survey they have the OS Map App providing you with access to every 25k & 50k map of Great Britain along with over a million routes submitted by the public and national bodies.

The Ramblers App provides access to over 3000 checked and certified routes as well as details on 1000’s of group walks across the country which change on a weekly/monthly basis. Additionally, it also provides information of special deals and offers for all its member.

Both are subscription Apps but well worth the few pounds that they cost.

Regardless of what is the correct way to lose weight or the correct way to get fit, there can be no easier way to improve your health than to walk. This does not have to be planned military route marches, as long as they make you feel as though you have been on a walk at the end.

So, go and join The Ramblers and get access to all the great routes and advise they have to offer and sign up for the OS Map App through the App Store. You will not regret either move and your life can only be the richer for your actions.