Ross hits obesity for six in new initiative (From Worcester News)

Ross hits obesity for six in new initiative

6:10pm Friday 8th February 2013 in News By James Connell

A SPORTS coach who keeps the county’s professional cricketing stars in peak condition has vowed to knock obesity for six.

Ross Dewar, strength and conditioning coach for Worcestershire County Cricket Club, said he was “saddened” by statistics about the county’s battle with the bulge, revealed in your Worcester News last month.

We reported that half of people in the county are now obese or overweight, costing the NHS about £80 million a year and an additional £60 million to the wider economy.

In response, Mr Dewar has launched a ‘Healthier Worcester’ initiative. He said: “Reading the findings really saddened me.

“Being overweight can have negative effects on your health including diabetes, high blood pressure and heart problems.

“Being a proud member of the Worcester community and weight loss specialist I’ve decided that I will do my utmost to help make Worcester a much healthier and happier place.”

The Worcestershire Health and Wellbeing Board has launched the Worcestershire Obesity Plan, while Mr Dewar has teamed up with two local businesses to help people make healthier choices.

Phat Nancy’s, of New Street Worcester, is offering a Healthier Worcester menu, featuring a number of ‘fitcamp friendly’ meals.

Syd Smith and Son butchers in the Shambles, Worcester, has joined the initiative, offering locally-sourced fresh meat in a ‘healthier Worcester’ pack.

Phil Watson, their head butcher, has worked with Mr Dewar to put together the pack containing the meat needed to comply with the eating plan, making it “very easy to make smart and healthy choices”, Mr Dewar said.