A man tackling obesity "head on" by helping a bunch of very overweight dads trim down says he's keen to make the most of the opportunities that will come out of the new Hawke's Bay Community Health and Sport Centre.
The focus of the programmes run from the facility being built at the Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park will be to bring research-led health programmes to the people of Hawke's Bay. It is envisaged that 85 per cent of the users will be members of the general public - young and old.
Les Hokianga has been working with his dads' group for six months. Nicknamed "The Front Row", they are 25 men who were all over 150kg (average 190kg). They have been working out four times a week.
Les is convinced that the programmes and expertise of the Hawke's Bay Community Health and Sport Centre will provide, including around nutrition, exercise and behaviour change, will further improve their health and lifestyles.
Obesity, lack of physical activity and poor nutrition have long been known to be a particular problem in Hawke's Bay. The situation is well documented in health reports; much of it put down to a general lack of activity in our communities.