More staff join fight to cut down obesity

Around 57 per cent of women and 64 per cent of men, aged 16 and over, in the area are overweight or obese.

Now three new health workers are joining the Options team – part of Bradford and Airedale Community Health Services – who have launched a new programme of weight management, physical activity and healthy eating for people of all ages, from pre-school to older age.

The team will be contacting GPs and their practice staff to highlight the opportunities offered in the new programmes for any overweight patients to get the help they need, at a venue convenient for them.

New recruit Jayne Taylor overcame a personal battle with her own weight and says people can change their behaviour by taking part in the programme.

For many years the 46-year-old mother-of-three worked in a bank and after her first two pregnancies, her weight topped 15 stone.

It has been 18 years since she lost five stone with help from a slimming club, and since then Ms Taylor has maintained a steady weight after becoming interested in healthy eating and exercise.

Ms Taylor, a health improvement practitioner, said some people eat the wrong things. "Most people benefit from the help, support and motivation of others who pass on tips during classes."