PHA Urges Realistic Health Goals This National Obesity Week

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to set realistic health goals this National Obesity Week (10-16 January) to improve their long-term wellbeing.

Dr Hannah McCourt, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, warned against setting overly ambitious targets. "Many of us end up making the same New Year's resolution every year – to start eating better and exercise more – only to give up after a short time because our targets aren't sustainable.

Dr McCourt emphasised the importance of making small, sustainable changes. She added: "Setting targets is important, however it is also important to be realistic. A sure-fire way to give-up quickly is to make your goals unattainable or try to do too much at once. Consider making small, manageable changes that will work for you in the long term."

Tips on setting targets

• Set yourself realistic and achievable targets for healthier eating, drinking and physical activity. You don't start to get fit by running a marathon straight away; so, make changes to your diet and activity a little at a time. For example, swap two sugars in your morning cuppa for one, then swap one for none. Or getting off the bus one stop earlier and walking the rest of the way.

• Take it one day at a time – eating healthier and being more active is something to approach positively, not as a punishment! • Don't deny yourself little pleasures now and again, just don't make it a regular thing.

• Ask your friends and family for their support; they may even wish to join you in your efforts. It's a great way to feel it's not you against the world.

• Create a timeline to measure your progress – review where you are after a month, then three months and so on – it helps to give you a sense of achievement. Decide how you are going to measure your progress. You could time how long it takes you to climb the stairs in work or how long it took you to walk around your neighbourhood and how you felt while doing it. Measuring small simple things like this can help you track your progress and wellbeing.

Dr McCourt concluded: "By taking simple steps to move more and make healthier choices, we can help manage our weight as well as boost our mental health and wellbeing and help reduce stress and anxiety.

"Remember, if you slip up one day don't be too hard on yourself, just carry on later in the day or the next day with your target in mind – don't wait until the next week to get back on track. Following these tips is a great way to get started on the journey to living a healthier life."

For more tips and advice on getting active, setting yourself achievable targets and eating healthier, visit www.ChooseToLiveBetter.com