Whittlesea and Hume councils have unveiled a new campaign to tackle obesity, which affects more than half the residents in each municipality.
The public education campaign, LiveLighter, is funded by the state government and aims to educate people about the risks associated with being overweight or obese and help them make simple and lasting changes to their lifestyle.
Recent Health Department findings suggest 55 per cent of Whittlesea’s and 58 per cent of Hume’s residents are overweight or obese.
Whittlesea mayor Mary Lalios urged all residents to make use of the campaign
“More than 55 per cent of adults in Whittlesea are overweight or obese, putting them at greater risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer,” Cr Lalios said.
Snap Fitness Epping personal trainer Paul Di Bella changed his life about two years ago and shed a mammoth 45 kilograms.
“Before, I was depressed and didn’t want to go anywhere; I didn’t want to go out,” he said. “I’m full of energy now and I can’t wait for summer to show off my new body.”
Mr Di Bella will run free personal training sessions from 8.30-9.30am every Saturday from September 20-October 25 at White Light Avenue Park.
Councils are looking for local champions to front the LiveLighter campaign and help spread the message throughout the community.
Information at healthytogether@whittlesea.vic.gov.au or healthytogether@hume.vic.gov.au
