Liverpool might be the city of the Beatles, the river Mersey, and the Merseybeat sound, but it’s becoming increasingly known for rocketing rates of obesity.
Levels of obesity are rising rapidly in the city compared with healthier trends in cities like London, notes a Public Health England report.
Now, around 64% of over 18s in Liverpool are considered to be overweight or obese, according to National Health Service figures – higher than the national average.
Liverpool’s struggle with weight management persists despite the known scientific links between obesity and a host of deadly illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, which continue to claim the lives of scores of Liverpudlians each year. Personal training in Liverpool can be the most effective way to help people lose weight.
Ultimate Performance Liverpool helps personal training clients to build healthy habits into their lifestyle around diet, training, and daily exercise.
You can see the importance of this in the health data too – around 38% of London residents exercise regular, which is in stark contrast to just 24% in Liverpool getting enough exercise, according to Sport England stats. Areas of the city where rates of exercise and activity are higher, include Mossley Hill and Allerton – and this is reflected in much lower rates of obesity around 58%.
Life expectancy for Liverpudlians is not too far removed from the national average, with men and women expected to reach the ages of 77 and 81, on average.
What is more concerning is ‘health span’ – the proportion of years lived in good health – is lower with only 72% for men and 74% for women.
The divide in health span across the city is glaring. Men in Woolton and Childwall can expect to live 79% of their years in good health, while men in Kirkdale only live 65% of their lives in good health.t
For women in the city, the story is the same. Female residents in Mossley Hill can expect to live 68% of their lives in robust health, whereas that figure is only 67% in Anfield.
Outside the city, but within the broader Merseyside region, it’s a different picture. Several towns and areas stand out for their healthier lifestyles, notably Formby, Heswall, and West Kirby.
Located in Sefton borough, Formby has some of the lowest rates of obesity at just 55% – which can be attributed to the area’s relative affluence, higher rates of exercise, and outdoor spaces such as its beaches and National Trust woodland.
Across the River Mersey on the Wirral Peninsula, Heswall and West Kirkby are bastions of better health. Amenities like the Wirral Way walking trail, marine lake and beach, and wellness programs supported by Wirral Council make it easier or residents to stay active and healthy.
Perhaps because of these factors and the relative affluence of these areas, rates of obesity among adults in Heswall are just 54%, and even lower in West Kirkby at just 52%
Personal training is one of the best ways to improve health, increase health span, and increase longevity for men and women. Why? Because taking as customised approach to workouts and nutrition, and having a professional trainer to keep you accountable and motivated, ensure better progress and longer-term health outcomes than training alone.