Government launches plan to support public fitness

Following the completion of the ?2.5 million Local Exercise Action Pilots that tested a number of methods of encouraging less-active people to exercise more, the government has announced a number of further measures to support physical activity to make the country fitter.

The government reported that the pilots were cost-effective and had the potential to reduce ill-health in the long-term in the UK and consequently save NHS funds.

As a result of the scheme, 70 per cent of those involved who were previously described as sedentary or lightly active proceeded to either attain or improve on the recommended amount of physical activity.

Caroline Flint, public health minister, said: “I am championing a host of different measures such as Local Exercise Action Pilots and the GP Physical Activity Questionnaire which make it easier for people to become more active.

“A fitter nation means a healthier nation which will produce real cost-savings for the NHS.”

Last month, Ms Flint announced the launch of the Healthy Start programme as a replacement for the Welfare Food Scheme. The programme will provide low-income families in London with ?2.80 weekly vouchers for the purchase of milk, formula, fruit and vegetables. The scheme will also continue to provide households with free vitamin supplements.