RESIDENTS in North Yorkshire are being urged to decrease their risk of becoming seriously ill from Covid-19 by losing weight.

Figures show 61.3 per cent of adults living in the county in 2017/18 were overweight or obese, which is on par with the UK average.

People living with obesity are twice as likely to be hospitalised with Covid-19.

The North Yorkshire Adult Weight Management Service is free to eligible adults for up to 24 weeks and gives practical advice and activity sessions to achieve five per cent weight loss at 12-weeks and sustain it at 24 weeks.

The service provides a tailored approach for each person who is referred. Throughout lockdown the service continued supporting clients but was unable to take on new people.

However, most services are now once again accepting GP referrals and it is hoped that over the coming months there will be an increased offer.

County Councillor Caroline Dickinson, executive member for public health, said: “Weight gain has been identified as a factor which can cause people to be hospitalised with Covid-19 as well as making it harder to fight against diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

"The Adult Weight Management service offers a supportive environment with a range of tools so people are making informed change to their lifestyle.

"We really hope more people will access it to kick start their better health.”

For more information, visit northyorks.gov.uk