Cooking up a storm across Belfast

Cooking up a storm across Belfast

People across Belfast can find out how to cook up healthy, tasty meals on a budget, thanks to a programme of cookery demonstrations being organised by the Public Health Agency (PHA).

Following the recent launch of the PHA’s ‘Choose to Live Better’ campaign which aims to tackle overweight and obesity, the demonstrations will show people just how easy it is to rustle up dishes which are good for you, but won’t break the bank.

Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive of the PHA, explained: “These demos will offer tasty ideas to make mealtimes healthy and fun, even on a tight budget.

“More than one in two of us are now overweight or obese, but many people don’t even realise that they fall into this category and are putting their health at risk. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing heart disease, some cancers and type 2 diabetes.

“We want to help people recognise when they are overweight or obese, explain the health effects, and encourage those who need to, to make small, realistic lifestyle changes that will help them maintain a healthy weight.

“One of the best ways you can do this is by cooking food which is healthier. However, with many people living on a budget, it is often difficult to come up with fresh ideas that aren’t expensive, which is where these cookery demonstrations will help.”

Dr Rooney has recently decided to lose weight himself, taking tips from the Choose to Live Better campaign such as cooking healthier food, getting more active, and eating smaller portions.

“Every small step can help us achieve and keep a healthy weight and improve our health. Like many people, I know I have to lose weight, so I hope that these cookery demonstrations will help people across Belfast to join me in attempting to shed some pounds.”

The cookery demonstrations are taking place in partnership with the Healthy Living Centres across Belfast

For further information, contact Laura Taylor at the PHA on (028) 9031 1611 or email laura.taylor@hscni.net

ENDS

Notes to the editor

1. Obesity is usually measured by Body Mass Index (BMI), which is a ratio of a person’s height and weight. In adults, having a BMI of 25-30 is classified as being overweight and having a BMI of 30 or more is classified as obese. Waist measurement is a simple alternative measure which everyone can use to identify if they may be at increased risk of obesity-related health problems. A waist size of 37 inches or more in men, and 32 inches or more in women, puts you at increased risk of heart disease, some cancers and type 2 diabetes.

2. Obesity occurs when an individual takes in more energy through food and drink than they use up through natural bodily processes and physical activity.

3. Evidence shows that obesity:

• reduces life expectancy by up to nine years;
• increases the risk of Northern Ireland’s biggest killers – coronary heart disease and cancer;
• increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes – an obese woman is ten times more likely to develop diabetes than one who is not overweight; and
• can impact on emotional/ psychological well-being and self-esteem, especially among young people.

4. The DHSSPS Framework for Preventing and Addressing Overweight and Obesity in Northern Ireland 2012-2022: ‘A Fitter Future for All’ aims to empower the population of Northern Ireland to make healthy choices, reduce the risk of overweight and obesity related disease and improve health and wellbeing, by creating an environment that supports and promotes a physically active lifestyle and a healthy diet.