The Change4Life drive to get people in better shape continued this week with the announcement of the Swap It, Don’t Stop.

The new initiative is encouraging people to make changes to their diet and lifestyle by doing things such as spending more time in the garden and drinking water instead of fizzy drinks.

Maggie Simkins, obesity programme manager at NHS Surrey, said: “The way you eat and the lifestyle you lead can have a big influence on your long-term health.

"For example, one person is diagnosed with diabetes every three minutes in Britain and almost 150,000 people were told last year they had it.

“The National Heart Forum predicts a near 100 per cent rise in diabetes by 2050 unless people take action now. It paints a grim picture, but it can be avoidable if you look after yourself properly.”

People who want to learn more about Change4Life and what they can do to get healthier should visit nhs.uk/change4life For more information about the work of Epsom Sutton and St Helier hospitals, visit www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk