National Obesity Awareness Week

National Obesity Awareness Week takes place from 10 to 16 January 2026. This week aims to raise awareness about obesity and promote healthier lifestyles. Some ways to participate include: 

• Embracing physical activity as part of your daily routine. This doesn’t necessarily mean gruelling gym sessions; it can be as simple as a brisk walk in the park, a fun dance class, or a rejuvenating yoga session. The key is finding an exercise you enjoy, making it less of a chore and more of a positive habit; consistency is more important than intensity. 
• Begin with small, realistic objectives. This could mean opting for healthier snacks, reducing portions of food and high-calorie drinks, or setting a target of 10,000 steps daily. Gradual changes are more sustainable and less overwhelming. 
• Focus on preparing balanced meals rich in nutrients. Incorporate a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins into your diet. Experiment with recipes to make healthy eating enjoyable. Reducing intake of processed foods, sugary snacks, and high-calorie beverages can profoundly impact your overall health. 
• Learn more about the importance of mental health in the battle against obesity. Practices like mindfulness and meditation can reduce stress and improve emotional well-being. These are critical when making and maintaining healthy lifestyle changes. 

The Choose to Live Better campaign by the Public Health Agency provides support and information with healthy recipes, tips on healthy eating and activities to help you get active. To access click here. 

The Step into Action 1 to 1 support programme, by Action Cancer, offers the opportunity to get healthy with qualified health and well-being coaches. Designed to help you achieve your healthy lifestyle, the programme includes up to 6 sessions with a personal coach (either face to face or through video call) who uses proven behavioural changses, self-compassion techniques and supporting resources to help you flourish. This programme is available face to face in Action Cancer House, Belfast or virtually via MS Teams. For more information and to book, click here. 

Support is also available on the Wisdom App by Health Assured with 4-week trackers to help you eat better. To access, go to click here and use registration code MHA169154.