- Obesity and physical inactivity are the greatest public health challenges for this government. They cost England £2.5 billion and £8.2 billion respectively. Increasing access to the natural environment can play a pivotal role in efforts to increase activity and reduce obesity.
- One in four people each year will visit a GP because of a mental health problem. Being more active and having more contact with the outdoors reduces stress and can prevent and reduce depression and anxiety. The NHS spent £6.5 billion on mental illness in 2002/03. Local Authorities spent £1.4 billion and informal carers contribute an equivalent of £3.9 billion.
- Seven in ten people do not take enough exercise to benefit their health as recommended by the Chief Medical Officer. Engagement in physical activity reduces the risk of up to 20 chronic diseases and disorders including obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.
- Obesity levels for children aged six have doubled in the last ten years, and have tripled in 15-year-olds. 22 per cent of adults are obese and about 40 per cent are overweight. Being overweight or obese accounts for as much as 30 per cent of heart disease and 80 per cent of diabetes and costs the UK £2.5 billion a year.
These facts are drawn from an evidence base being developed by the RSPB through reports by Dr. William Bird. See Natural Fit (2004), available as a download on the RSPB's Health - nature improves your fitness and reduces stress page.