Clock ticking for £ for lb challenge
Thirty Northern Ireland companies have signed up for Business in the Community and Public Health Agency's £ for lb 12 week challenge, committing to help their employees to lose weight.
Last year, over 800 people lost 1,390 inches from their waistlines. Comparatively, this was the same height of the Albert Clock.
This year, this friendly challenge, which is being supported by the Public Health Agency and Westfield Health, will involve at least 1,000 employees from 30 companies, with employers and employees matching every pound lost with a charitable donation.
Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive of the PHA explains: “Obesity continues to be one of the most important public health challenges facing Northern Ireland. Its impacts are wide-ranging and the financial costs are high. It has been estimated that obesity and weight related disease costs the Northern Ireland economy £1million per day and the latest NI Health Survey stats show that around three in five adults in Northern Ireland are either overweight or obese.
“Taking part in the £ for lb challenge can set you on the path to better health, as better managing your weight can improve your activity levels, help combat against developing heart disease and contribute to better mental health.”
Campaign Manager, Deborah McConnell, Business in the Community added: “Workplace as a setting has huge potential for beginning to tackle these issues. There are considerable benefits to the organisation by having a healthier, fitter and more engaged workforce. By helping employees begin to tackle their weight, responsible employers are contributing to overall societal benefits for Northern Ireland. Contributions to great local charities brings an added corporate responsibility bonus to the business.”
Lorraine Milne from Westfield Health said: “Last year, our challenge saw employees from 20 companies lose a whopping 6,645lbs in weight. This is a phenomenal achievement and for each pound lost, the person experienced benefits – feeling lighter and fitter, having more energy, a buzz with their other colleagues who participated in the challenge and the boost needed to make long-term lifestyle changes. We hope that this year’s participants experience similar success.”
This work-based weightloss programme aims to encourage employees to adopt a healthier lifestyle by participating in a twelve week programme. The challenge is supported by the Public Health Agency under the umbrella of the Choose to Live Better campaign.
Companies participating in 2015 are Abacus Recruitment, Allstate NI, Andor Technology, Apex Housing, B/E Aerospace, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast Telegraph, Capita Managed IT Solutions, Connswater Homes, Convergys, Danske Bank, Dupont, Encirc 360, Fane Valley, Firmus Energy, Firstsource, Fold Housing Association, Haldane Fisher, The Henderson Group, Health and Safety Executive NI, Liberty IT, Hutchinson Homes, Michelin Tyres Plc, Newtownabbey Borough Council, Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Northstone, Probation Board NI, Queen’s University Belfast, Seagate Technology and Titanic Quarter.
The overall results will be revealed in May.