Do your bit to win battle of the bulge

This week the Kentish Express has reported on the fears of health bosses as they try to tackle growing rates of obesity.

Some 67% of adults are now either overweight or obese and the figure is equally as dismal for children, where 34% of kids are piling on the pounds.

Worryingly, the inequality in health between the richest and poorest residents in Ashford is also growing and is among the worst in the county.

Kent County Council’s public health experts have outlined a strategy to try to get people to lead healthier lifestyles, but it will not be an easy task against a nationwide trend which is getting worse.

Perhaps now is the time for people to realise what they can do themselves in order to win the battle of the bulge.

An important part of living healthily is exercise, which in some places can be expensive. But there are plenty of free or cheap options too.

At the Spearpoint recreation ground in Kennington there is a kilometre-long course for people to use for free around the edge of the playing fields.

There are cycle routes through the town and countryside, as well as the weekly parkrun at Victoria Park on Saturday mornings. And the Stour Centre, Julie Rose Stadium and Conningbrook Lakes offer a wide variety of sports at reasonable prices.

No matter your age, shape, and sporting ability, there is something for you, and there is no better time than the present to get in shape.