Nottingham has been ranked as the third unhealthiest city in England by a Government report.
Nearly a quarter of people in Nottingham – 24.1 per cent – were rated as unhealthy compared to the national average of 16.9 per cent for 2015.
Only Blackpool and Liverpool were rated more unhealthy than Nottingham in the Public Health England report which based its assessment on diet, frequency of exercise, obesity levels and the prevalence of smoking.
We must prevent a generation with long-term health problems
Director of public health at Nottingham City Council Alison Challenger said tackling child obesity is the key to getting the city in shape.
She said: “Child obesity is an issue both nationally and here in Nottingham which must be tackled to prevent a generation with long-term health problems.
“What children eat and drink, and, crucially, how often they exercise, is vitally important and we need parents to work with us and our partners to become healthier.
“We promote national messages around balanced diet and activity, provide lots of opportunities through our parks and events teams and work with schools to educate pupils on the importance of being healthy.”
Smoking prevalence is still too high
She added while too many people in Nottingham are smoking, the rate has improved in recent years.
She said: “Smoking prevalence is still too high at nearly one-in-four adults.
“But we have made great strides in helping reduce the number of people who smoke.
“In 2009 when the city’s first Tobacco Control Strategy was launched, the figure was 37 per cent and well above the national average – it is now at 24 per cent.
“We have made a number of major Nottingham family events smoke-free this year and continue to signpost smokers who want to quit to support networks like New Leaf.”
