Change 4 Life is a society-wide movement that aims to prevent people from becoming overweight by encouraging them to eat better and move more. If we carry on as we are, 90 percent of today’s children could be overweight or obese by 2050. We all need to address the rise in obesity for the sake of the future health of our children.

The importance of health care practitioners to the success of Change4Life cannot be over-emphasised. Therefore Heart of Birmingham Teaching PCT is backing the movement and is working to encourage families to eat healthy and participate in regular exercise by offering initiatives such as Gyms for Free.

Key facts

• Eat well
  – Eat less saturated fat & watch out for hidden sugar (e.g. fizzy drinks)
  – Swap your snacks and food for healthy options. Eat planned meals.
  – Eat smart! Reduce fat by grilling, not frying, choose low fat options. Cut down on treats. Eat correct size meals.
• Move more
  – Get some exercise for free! Play, walk, swim, dance, bike…
  – Kids need 60 minutes over the day to keep fit
  – Get off the sofa and out and about!
  – Walk or cycle instead of driving or getting the bus
• Live longer
  – help say no to cancer, diabetes and heart disease

Launch of Change4Life in Birmingham

You may have seen adverts on the TV and in the local press – click here to view the current Department of Health advert on YouTube.

The animators behind Wallace and Gromit made the commercial. You can also view photos of the behind the scenes making of the advert here.

Click here to view a video describing what the campaign is all about on YouTube.

Click here to watch a video on what’s happening in local communities, featuring our very own Villa Vilality!

View the press release on the launch by Frank Bruno of Change4Life and Gym4Free on 8 January 2009.

To view the Change4Life blog, where you can also have your say, click here

The Be Active scheme was originally started in February 2008 as Gym for Free, with the aim of giving local people the opportunity to have access to regular exercise, for free. This is a partnership scheme which is jointly funded by the City Council and the three Primary Care Trusts across the City, and now offers free gym, swimming and leisure classes at all local leisure centres, within certain times. For more information pick up an application form at your local leisure centre or log onto the website at: www.birmingham.gov.uk/beactive