A RESIDENT from Wokingham has agreed to share his story in the government's latest Covid-19 risk-reduction strategy.

The Better Health campaign, launched by Public Health England (PHE), aims to reduce the risk of coronavirus deaths by encouraging obese and excessively overweight residents to lose weight, as growing evidence suggests this puts people at greater risk of serious illness or death.

ALSO READ: Wokingham leader questioned over poverty levels in borough

David Fitzgibbon, case study from Wokingham, said: “Between the ages of 18 and 50 the weight just crept on gradually and every year I’d go up a trouser size.

"I put it down to working unsocial hours as a retail manager and commuting so not having regular meals, and after having children, had little time for anything else.

"Being overweight does have an impact – it would hurt going up the stairs and at one point I needed a hernia operation but was told by the doctor I’d have to lose weight first.

"I find it helps me to have a plan to stick to. The weight has crept on a bit recently and I want to feel good about myself and healthy."

ALSO READ: Wokingham councillor campaigns against plans for government planning changes

The campaign intends to spread awareness of the benefits of healthy living, not just in terms of severity of the effects of Covid-19, but also the benefits of a healthy lifestyle overall.

Awareness is being shared nationwide, however it also intends to focus on communities most likely to be affected.

According to campaign organisers, evidence shows that Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities are disproportionately affected by obesity as well as COVID-19.

Angela Baker, Deputy Director for Public Health England South East, said: “Gaining weight often happens gradually over time and can be just the odd unhealthy habit mounting up particularly since we have all be working at home.

"Extra weight puts pressure on our bodies and reduces our strength to fight off serious diseases, including Covid-19.

"Covid-19 has given us a wake-up call to get our health back on track."

ALSO READ: Wokingham's first Black Lives Matter protest to be held

Over the next few months, the campaign will include wider support to help people live healthier lives, with advice on quitting smoking and how people can look after their mental health.

Ms Baker added: "We know how hard it can be to lose weight and keep it off – our Better Health campaign will make it easier for everyone to introduce changes that will help them maintain a healthy weight.

"It’s never too late – or too early – to make changes that will have a lasting impact on your health."