BORIS Johnson has warned Brits are “considerably fatter” than their European counterparts as he revealed plans to get the nation fighting fit.
The Prime Minister today admitted more needed to be down to crack down on obesity, and claimed doing so would help the UK fight diseases like coronavirus.
Appearing on Times Radio, Mr Johnson claimed he had changed his mind on whether the Government should intervene to get people fit.
He said: “I am afraid you will find in the great anthology of embarrassing former articles that people always drag up, some of them from this paper I expect, but you will find, I have taken a sort of very libertarian stance on obesity.
“But actually, when you look at the numbers, when you look at the pressure on the NHS [and] compare, I’m afraid, this wonderful country of ours to other European countries we are significantly fatter than most others — apart from the Maltese for some reason — and it is an issue.
“It does matter. It’s hugely costly for the NHS, it’s a serious national issue. Now how you talk about it how you address it how you practically make the difference, that’s what we’re looking at.
“It has always been an issue, I am not going to pretend it’s easy for politicians to solve.”
He added he wanted Brits to be “healthier and fitter to tackle diseases like Covid.”
The PM is now planning put the country on a diet to beat coronavirus – and is feeling “fit as a butcher’s dog” after restarting his own exercise regime.
He is set to green light wider use of gastric band surgery, as part of a strategy to reduce the impact of any second wave this winter, according to reports.
And he wants to get more people fit by boosting access to family exercise regimes, and increasing the number of outdoor gyms.
Mr Johnson, who is on a diet after his brush with death as HOAR revealed this week, may also ban buy one get one free offers for unhealthy products and unlimited refills of junk food and drink.
Plans have been drawn up by the Department of Health which include a proposal for mandatory calorie labelling for restaurants, cafes, and takeaways.
An insider told the Sunday Times: “All the focus and energy is going to be on getting the nation fitter because, as the coronavirus has shown us, it will save lives.
“People have gone to extraordinary lengths to remain safe, including staying at home for the past 12 weeks, so encouraging them to eat more healthily and take more exercise should not be that difficult.
“This is clearly our moment because if people want to do their bit to beat this virus then losing weight would be the best thing they can do.”
The PM has dismissed claims he is still suffering after effects from the virus – even cracking out a set of push ups in No 10 to prove his strength.
And he has resumed his daily exercise routine of going running at 6.30am with his dog Dilyn, saying that his fitness is improving.
He told the Mail on Sunday: “I would turn around and see my detectives just walking. But I want you to know that I am picking up speed now.
“They have detected in the last few days a notable turn of speed and they are starting to break into a mild trot themselves.”
