North Tyneside’s new Mayor Councillor John Harrison is taking up the challenge to lose weight and inches from his waist with the help of NHS and council staff.

Men from the borough are being asked to take part in the Men’s Waist Disposal Challenge which is part of the North Tyneside’s Choosing Health campaign which promotes eating well, getting active and being healthy.

Men with a high calorie intake and who do little exercise are being targeted in the Waist Disposal Challenge which aims to support people into changing their lifestyles for the better as part of National Men’s Health Week.

Jane Freeman (pictured), Community Health Development Worker, said:  “Two out of three men in the UK are classed as overweight or obese but only small lifestyle changes are needed to see a big difference in your weight, which in turn can have a massive impact on your health.

“Loosing weight can help reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.”

“I’m delighted, along with some of my council colleagues, to be taking part in the Men’s Waist Disposal Challenge,” said elected mayor John Harrison.

“It’s very easy, as you get older, to ease off on the exercise and start piling on the pounds but it doesn’t take much to stay fit and healthy.

“A brisk walk every day can be enough to lose weight and reduce the risk of heart disease and other problems.

“I know everyone taking part in the challenge will be helping to get across a simple message – keep active and stay healthy.”

The recommended amount of physical activity per day is just the equivalent of half an hour of brisk walking per day.

To take part in the challenge men are encouraged to form teams of four and compete against each other teams to walk the furthest and lose as many inches from their waists as possible in the month of June.

All entrants have receive a pedometer and support from nutrition and fitness professionals.

Team names include ‘Watch oot, there’s a belly aboot’ and the ‘A-Team’.

Men interested in finding out more should contact Jane Freeman from North Tyneside Primary Care Trust’s Community Health Development Unit on 0191 218 0091 or Gillian Adam Physical Activity Co-ordinator 0191 200 5158.

The Men’s Waist Disposal Challenge is being organised and supported by North Tyneside Primary Care Trust’s Community Health Development Team, North Tyneside Council and Northumbria Healthcare Trust.

ENDS