NI women 'most physically active'

Published Tuesday, 07 August 2012
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Women in Northern Ireland are the most physically active compared to other UK regions, with over a third getting the recommended amount of exercise.

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A study carried out by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) found that 35% of women in the region make sure they get 30 minutes of physical activity daily.

However, in other regions, the level of exercise carried out every day is at "worryingly low" levels.

In Wales just a quarter of women get 30 minutes of moderate activity a day, with 29% in England and 33% in Scotland. Men are more active than women in those regions.

But Nichola Jarvis - Tribal Fitness director and UTV's fitness blogger - said the statistics still show that two thirds of people in Northern Ireland do not get enough exercise.

"We've got the right opportunities, we've got fantastic outdoor spaces, although the weather isn't always the best, but you've just got to get on and do it," she added.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland has the lowest levels of childhood obesity in the UK - 27% of children aged between two and 15 are overweight or obese.

However, 59% of the region's adults are overweight or obese.

And with obesity levels on the rise, Nichola explained how easy it is to kick start a more active lifestyle.

"You can break it up - do 10 minutes three times a day. Even if you're inside the house, up and down the stairs or rigorous housework, so you're a bit out of breath and you can feel yourself work, your heart rate's coming up. That all counts.

"The usual tricks of parking a few metres from the front door or getting off the bus a bit earlier, all those wee things help," she said.

After smoking, being overweight is the greatest preventable risk factor for cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight can also help cut the risk of heart disease and some forms of diabetes.

Kate Medoza, head of education at the WCRF, said: "Women in Northern Ireland are leading the rest of the UK when it comes to getting the required level of physical activity, but nationwide activity levels are worryingly low.

"Women need to be more physically active and hopefully the Olympics will provide a boost."

She called for changes to food labelling to make healthy eating choices easier, and said town planners should help ensure activity is safer and more attractive.

© UTV News
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2 Comments
Ryan in Belfast wrote (291 days ago):
Adults do have do more in order to keep care of their health. Honestly, you have to have alittle self-respect and look after how you look and if you do that, you'll feel better. This problem is predicted to only get worse in the future, so its important for there to be great focus on sport and competitive sports in school for children and teach them from an early age that being unhealthy and overweight isnt socially acceptable. Tough problems need tough solutions.
mick in shankill wrote (292 days ago):
they clearly havent been to tesco on the ballygomartain rd on a sunday or seen the women standing outside the school in my estate lol
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