Cycling prescriptions have been announced as the government orders the public to lose weight in advance of a potential second wave

Boris Johnson Requesting the British GP to prescribe cycling at the beginning of a major public health effort aimed at addressing obesity in response to a coronavirus pandemic.

Intervention comes to the expert British public health Overweight-Body Mass Index (BMI25-29.9 – Increased risk of hospitalization and death if infected with Covid-19.

The Prime Minister launches a “better health” campaign on Monday, including GP prescribing cycling, expanding access to NHS weight loss services, and a 12-week plan for everyone to use to improve their diet. , Will outline the series of measures.

Downing Street said the government plans to identify areas of poor health to join cycling pilots. The scheme GP says, “Patients are encouraged to prescribe cycling in the right places.” A charity in Yorkshire is conducting similar trials, and a GP pilot program was launched last year to prescribe town bikes in Cardiff to reduce patients’ risk of heart disease.

Other policies include banning junk food advertising on TV before the 9pm basin and introducing caloric labels on alcoholic beverages, restaurant meals, and takeaway food.

In order to prevent the development of more serious illnesses and reduce the risk of being seriously affected by Covid-19, 100,000 people are not aiming to reach 35 million in the UK through this plan.

“Covid-19 gave us an awakening call for the immediate long-term risks of being overweight, and the prime minister needs to use this moment for us to eat healthier, more active and better That’s clear,” said a government spokesperson.

“We use this moment for people to understand how they live their lives, to lose weight, live a healthy life, and reduce the pressure on the NHS with a simple I urge you to take steps.”

Last week, Johnson said weight loss was one way to reduce the risks associated with coronaviruses, adding: “I don’t usually believe in politics like Nanny or Boss, but in reality obesity is one of the real comorbidities.”

But the Prime Minister’s willingness is also in line with the warning that the country may face a collapse of health and leisure infrastructure. Swim England’s chief executive said that even before the pandemic, about 40% of the country’s dilapidated pool inventory was facing closure by the end of the decade.

Jane Nickerson, who told the BBC, said: “We know that all pools give back about £7.2 million to the community’s interests, including social cohesion, crime prevention, education achievements and health benefits.

“That means the current government support will be recovered within the next few months. It’s not like asking for freshly abandoned money. By tackling the pool health and obesity crisis, It actually saves a lot of money.”

Body weight has no discernible effect on the risk of getting a virus, but excess fat can affect the respiratory system, affecting inflammation and immune function, according to a report published by PHE ..

“I think this really makes us realize that obesity is not just a chronic health problem we always know about, but is actually a more serious problem for people with Covid.” Said Susan Jeb, a professor of diet and population health, who reviewed the report at Oxford University.

Speaking on Saturday, Professor John NewtonPublic Health Director of Health Improvement in England said overweight affects the risks associated with the virus.

“You are more likely to be hospitalized and more likely to need intensive care care, which increases your risk of death, which contributes to the various disparities we have seen. I know,” he told the BBC. Radio 4 today program.

“As people get older, the more obesity they get, the worse the results get from Covid as you get older. People living in poorer communities, obesity has a lot to do with it, and obesity We will explain some, but not all, of the effects of deprivation on Covid’s results.”

Professor Newton also said that the calorie label, which was reported to be part of the government’s obesity strategy, would help people make decisions. “It’s not enough to tell people what to do,” he said.

“But if people need information and at the same time, for example, they’re ordering a takeout and find it contains 3000 calories, they need to understand. Knowing that when ordering It’s useful, so information has an important role to play.”

“The timing of this report [PHE study into Covid and obesity] I’m optimistic that it’s not a coincidence, it’s an increase in public awareness, a pandemic needs to be addressed, and the government is serious about tackling obesity, which is based on what the prime minister says. We are optimistic about next week. “