Overweight patients told to get on their bikes for healthier life

BICYCLES are to be prescribed on the NHS for the first time to help improve the health of overweight patients.

Doctors will offer six-months free bike hire to those thought in need of a fitness overhaul. The scheme aims to reduce patient reliance on medication and cut the chance of an early death.

Health officials said they hope to expand the pilot scheme more widely if the trials at two practices in Cardiff are a success.

The plans are part of a growing NHS movement offering “social prescribing” to patients, with gardening, golf and dancing among the hobbies being prescribed.

Dr Tom Porter, a consultant in public health medicine with Public Health Wales, said that the new scheme was also an effective way of improving mental well-being.

He said: “Cycling is a fantastic form of physical activity and riding your bike is one of the easiest ways to reduce your risk of ill health while building your cardiovascular fitness.

“It’s also great for improving mental well-being too.

“It is recommended that adults are active for at least 150 minutes every week, but many people feel that 150

minutes is simply too difficult to fit into their busy schedules.

“Not only can cycling to work reduce your risk of death from heart disease by 52 per cent, but it’s also a great way to get around the city without using your car, making it good for both you and the environment around you, and helping to keep the air clean for everyone while reducing carbon emissions.”

The new scheme, believed to be the first of its kind, is being piloted with the help of the bicycle hire firm Nextbike. Selected patients will be provided with an access code that allows them unlimited 30-minute cycle

sessions for a six-month period. Dr Karen Pardy is among the first GPS who will be able to prescribe the service.

She said: “Nextbike on prescription provides GPS and their teams with a valuable opportunity to help encourage patients to become more active. While we are aware of the many benefits of exercise for our patients, people are sometimes reluctant to engage.

“Nextbike on prescription allows people to have a go at cycling around Cardiff and realise how this can help to support their overall well-being.”