Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Boris Johnson plans measures to make 'the nation fitter' as he seeks to get UK 'moving again'

BORIS JOHNSON is drawing up plans to put the country on a diet as part of a wider strategy to counter obesity, which is seen as a major risk factor in those impacted by coronavirus.

The 56-year-old prime minister is on a slimming regime himself, and is expected to outline plans by next month to increase fitness levels across the board after his hospitalisation due to the deadly virus back in April.


Johnson said on Monday (29) that Britons were significantly fatter than people in most of the rest of Europe.

Speaking to Times Radio, he said: "I have taken a very libertarian stance on obesity but actually when you look at the numbers, when you look at the pressure on the NHS, 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. It is an issue.

"Everybody knows that this is a tough one, but I think it's something we all need to address."

A top health department source told The Sunday Times that the government was serious about improving fitness levels in the UK.

"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," he said..

"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 department has reportedly presented a series of proposals to No. 10 Downing Street as part of the strategy. They include better access to programmes ranging from family exercise schemes and healthy eating to bariatric surgery, which includes the fitting of gastric bands.

Other possible measures include banning price promotions such as "buy one, get one free" offers and unlimited refills on unhealthy foods and drinks, bringing in legislation to mandate calorie labelling for restaurants, cafés and takeaways, and increasing the number of outdoor gyms.

The newspaper quoted a Downing Street aide as saying that Johnson was "very keen" to take a more interventionist approach, despite his previous criticism of the "nanny state" and opposition to the sugar tax.

Highlighting his current fitness levels, the prime minister told Daily Mail he was "as fit as a butcher's dog now". 

"Do you want me to do some press-ups to show you how fit I am?" he asked.

Dressed in a shirt and tie, Johnson got on the floor and went on to complete some pres- ups.

"The country is going to bounce forward, and I certainly feel full of beans. Never felt better," he added.

Several experts have highlighted the impact of unhealthy diets and obesity on greater vulnerability to Covid-19.

“The elephant in the room is that the baseline general health in many Western populations was already in a horrendous state to begin with. In the UK and US, more than 60 per cent of adults are overweight or obese," said Dr Aseem Malhotra, a London-based professor of evidence-based medicine, who has been campaigning on the issue of promoting a healthy diet to combat coronavirus.

"India is particularly vulnerable, having a very high prevalence of lifestyle related diseases. Specifically, conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease are three of the major risk factors for death from Covid-19. This is rooted in excess body fat, a cluster of conditions known as a metabolic syndrome."

As part of a healthy lifestyle to combat the threat from the deadly virus, experts recommend giving up ultra-processed and packaged foods and swapping refined carbohydrates with wholefoods such as vegetables and fruits.

'Road to recovery'

Johnson will launch a plan this week to get Britain "moving again" after the coronavirus lockdown, when the government will set out measures to boost infrastructure construction, said Home Secretary Priti Patel.

Johnson will make a speech on Tuesday to set out plans to fast-track building projects such as hospitals, schools, housing, and road and rail infrastructure, part of efforts to try to stem a fall in support for his government.

The British leader has been criticised for his response to the coronavirus crisis, with opposition parties and some scientists saying the government was too slow to bring in a lockdown, too slow to carry out widespread testing and not clear in its messaging.

But Johnson, who won a large majority at last year's election, hopes to revive his fortunes by returning to his pledges to "level up" Britain by focusing spending on traditional Labour-supporting areas that backed his Conservative Party.

"It's an important plan ... As we move out of this awful, awful period of coronavirus, this dreadful disease, we want to get Britain moving again," Patel told Sky News.

"We are building now very much a road to recovery, a roadmap, focusing on infrastructure right now ... focused on roads, broadband, the type of things that effectively help to create jobs but also provide services and economic growth and opportunity around the country."

Johnson's office has dubbed the spending programme as: "build, build, build".

"I think this is the moment for a Rooseveltian approach to the UK, really really moving forward," the prime minister said.

"I really think the investment will pay off."

More For You

Can dairy disrupt your sleep

The authors acknowledged potential limitations in their findings

iStock

Can dairy disrupt your sleep? Study links certain foods to nightmares

Key points

  • 40% of participants in a new study said food affects their sleep
  • Dairy and sweets were linked to worse sleep and more disturbing dreams
  • Fruit, herbal tea and vegetables were associated with better sleep quality
  • Authors suggest that lactose intolerance may play a role in dream disturbance

A recent study has explored how food may influence sleep and dreaming, with some participants reporting that certain items — particularly dairy and sweets — disrupted their rest and contributed to nightmares.

Study looked at food, sleep and dreams

The research, published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology on Monday, analysed responses from 1,082 college-aged participants who completed online surveys between January and April 2023. The survey asked about over a dozen food categories, including dairy, meat, fruit, desserts, and spicy foods.

Keep ReadingShow less
Taylor Fritz &  Morgan Riddle

The couple met on the members-only dating app Raya during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic

Getty Images

Who is Taylor Fritz’s girlfriend Morgan Riddle? All about the influencer reshaping tennis culture

Key points

  • Morgan Riddle is an influencer and media personality with over 1 million followers.
  • She is known for popularising tennis among younger audiences.
  • Riddle and Fritz met on the dating app Raya in 2020.
  • She regularly travels with Fritz on tour and featured in Netflix’s Break Point.
  • Riddle has collaborated with Wimbledon and launched tennis-themed products.

Morgan Riddle, often referred to as Taylor Fritz’s girlfriend, has become a recognised figure in the tennis world, thanks to her growing media presence and efforts to modernise the sport’s image. As Fritz continues to climb the ATP rankings, currently sitting at World No. 5, Riddle is frequently seen supporting him courtside, including at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships in London.

A social media influencer with a tennis mission

Riddle has built a career as a full-time influencer and media personality, gaining popularity on Instagram and TikTok for her lifestyle, fashion and behind-the-scenes tennis content. Her viral videos, including one that aimed to “make tennis cool again,” have drawn both praise and criticism.

Keep ReadingShow less
heatwave

The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have issued amber heat-health alerts

Getty Images

Doctors warn of hidden signs of heat stroke as UK issues amber alerts

Key points

  • Amber heat-health alerts issued as temperatures approach 35°C in parts of the UK.
  • Early signs of heat stroke include confusion, slurred speech, and dizziness.
  • Heat exhaustion can develop into heat stroke if not treated within 30 minutes.
  • At-risk groups include the elderly, young children, and those with health conditions.
  • NHS and health experts urge people to stay hydrated, cool, and avoid midday sun.

Medical experts are urging the public to remain alert for the early signs of heat stroke, as temperatures across parts of England are expected to reach up to 35°C. The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have issued amber heat-health alerts, warning that extreme heat can have serious health impacts. Doctors stress that symptoms can begin subtly, making early intervention crucial.

Heat alerts across multiple regions

Amber-level warnings are in effect for the West Midlands, East Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, South East, South West, London, and the East of England.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jeremy Clarkson pub

The controversy surrounding the ketchup ban caught the attention of British condiment company Condimaniac

Getty Images

Clarkson’s Farmer’s Dog pub ends ketchup ban with British-made alternative

Key points

  • Jeremy Clarkson’s Farmer’s Dog pub banned non-British products, including ketchup and Coca-Cola.
  • The rule sparked months of backlash from customers who called it “weird”.
  • British condiment company Condimaniac developed a 100% British-sourced ketchup in response.
  • The new ketchup will be stocked at the pub, but only in full bottles for purchase.
  • Some visitors remain critical as the condiment isn’t yet available for table use.

Jeremy Clarkson’s strict British-only policy at his Farmer’s Dog pub has caused considerable controversy since its launch, particularly due to the absence of staple condiments like ketchup. However, a recent development by a British condiment company could finally offer a compromise. The pub will now stock a fully British-sourced ketchup developed in response to the ban, although it will only be available to buy in bottles rather than offered with meals.

Clarkson's British-only policy sparked backlash

When Jeremy Clarkson opened the Farmer’s Dog pub in the Cotswolds, featured on the Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm, he introduced a strict rule: the pub would serve only 100% British food and drink. This ethos was designed to promote local sourcing and support British farming and production.

Keep ReadingShow less
Turkey wildfires 2025

The Turkey wildfires have not been limited to Izmir

Getty Images

Turkey wildfires disrupt travel as Izmir airport closes

Key points

  • Tourists stranded after Foça wildfire halts flights at Izmir airport
  • At least 550 people evacuated from homes in the region
  • Over 600 personnel deployed to contain the blaze
  • Strong winds and heat raise risk of further fires

Wildfires force airport shutdown in Turkish holiday hotspot

Hundreds of UK tourists, including several from Glasgow, have been left stranded after major wildfires swept through a popular holiday destination in western Turkey, forcing the closure of Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport.

The blaze broke out in the resort town of Foça, near Izmir, and was rapidly intensified by strong winds, prompting large-scale evacuations and flight disruptions. All operations at the airport were suspended from 4 pm local time due to ongoing extinguishing efforts, with multiple flights reportedly diverted.

Keep ReadingShow less