THE North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) is backing a campaign to help people to live healthier and give themselves a better chance to fight off serious illnesses such as coronavirus.

The NHS trust, which has its headquarters in Bolton, is getting behind Public Health England (PHE) as it tackles major health concerns like obesity.

More than 60 per cent of UK adults are classed as overweight or living with obesity and extra bodyweight can make it harder to battle diseases like cancer, heart disease and coronavirus.

Data from a PHE report found obese people are "significantly more likely to become seriously ill" and be admitted to intensive care with covid-19, compared to those with a healthy body mass index (BMI).

One study found that for people with a BMI of 35 to 40, the risk of death from coronavirus increases by 40 per cent, and with a BMI over 40 by 90 per cent, as opposed to those not living with obesity.

An NWAS spokesman said: "We are supporting PHE as they launch a major new health campaign to support people to live healthier lives and reduce their risk of serious illness.

"Nearly two thirds (63 per cent) of adults in the UK are overweight or living with obesity.

"Gaining weight is often a gradual process that takes place over a number of years and modern life doesn’t always make it easy.

"But this extra weight causes pressure to build up around vital organs, making it harder for the body to fight against diseases like cancer, heart disease and now covid-19.

"By reducing your weight within a healthy range, you can cut your risk of being critically ill with covid-19."