Next government urged to prioritise healthier lifestyles

The prevention of avoidable ill health and promotion of healthier lifestyles should be a priority of the next government, Diabetes UK has said on the back of a report by MPs.

GPs should tell their patients to go for a walk and hospitals should ban fast food chains, according to the Health Select Committee.

The calls are part of 26 recommendations to improve the nation’s health made in the Impact of Physical Activity and Diet on Health report released today, with more powers for local authorities to limit the number of junk food outlets and changes in town planning to make it easier for people to walk or cycle instead of drive also highlighted.

The Chair of the Committee, Dr Sarah Wollaston MP, said: “The extraordinary benefits of exercise in improving physical and mental health should be made clear and accessible to everyone, whatever their current level of fitness.

“The committee calls on the NHS, local authorities and the next government to work together to prioritise prevention and public health and we have set out achievable recommendations  for action which could help to transform people’s lives and wellbeing.”

Eighty per cent of Type 2 diabetes cases could be delayed or prevented through healthier lifestyle choices

In response, Barbara Young, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, said: “The rise of Type 2 diabetes is leading to devastating health complications and huge costs to the NHS, both of which are avoidable. Eighty per cent of Type 2 diabetes cases could be delayed or prevented through healthier lifestyle choices, pointing to an urgent need for measures to be put in place to help people lead active and healthy lives. The recent launch of the NHS National Diabetes Prevention Programme, aimed at those at high risk of Type 2 diabetes, is an important first step.

“But this measure alone is not enough. Truly improving the nation’s health will also require the next government and the NHS translating the Health Select Committee’s report recommendations into action, making the prevention of avoidable ill health and promotion of healthier lifestyles a priority.

“Bringing about this change will require action at all levels – from including marketing restrictions on unhealthy foods to children, to measures being taken to reduce saturated fat and sugar in food, and investment being made in public spaces to encourage people to take up physical activity, such as cycling and walking. These actions can make a real and lasting difference to the lives of millions of people throughout the country and help prevent Type 2 diabetes.”

To read the report, click here.