The Better Health campaign comes after research found almost seven in ten North East adults want a healthier lifestyle due to their experiences of the coronavirus pandemic.

Eating more healthily, losing weight and exercising more were at the top of the list of changes from the recent country-wide survey of more than 5,000 people.

The campaign encourages residents to work towards a healthier lifestyle in manageable steps, whether losing weight by getting active and eating better, looking after their mental wellbeing, or by quitting smoking.

Support is being offered through a variety of online tools, apps and offers, including the updated NHS 12 Week Weight Loss app at www.nhs.uk/betterhealth

The survey also revealed the impact of the pandemic saw behaviours in the North East change during 2020, including:

• Almost a quarter of people reported snacking on unhealthy food

and drinks at least once a day (23%)

• Almost a third said they were exercising less (31%) in the latter

half of 2020

• 16% claimed their alcohol intake had increased since the start of

the second national lockdown.

Claire Mathews, Health and Wellbeing Programme Lead for Public Health England North East, said: “Managing all the pressures of everyday life can mean that exercise and diet takes a back seat, but the past year has made this even more of an issue for many people in the North East. Our health survey has shown that seven out of ten adults in the region want to become healthier in 2021.

“The Better Health campaign, with NHS-approved advice, shows that making small, often simple, lifestyle changes can have a positive impact on our health and wellbeing. Looking at what we eat, what we drink and increasing our exercise gradually can reduce our future risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other long-term conditions. I would urge everyone in the North East to search online for ‘NHS Better Health’ or speak to your GP for advice and tips to make 2021 a brighter, healthier year for you and your loved ones.”

To find out more about making healthy changes search ‘NHS Better Health’ or visit www.nhs.uk/betterhealth