New year, New you. Norfolk gears up for a healthy 2024

More than half of Norfolk's residents are planning to make a New Year's resolution this year, with losing weight and healthier eating topping the list, according to a survey* carried out by Public Health at Norfolk County Council.

Fifty-eight per cent of respondents said they would make a resolution this year, with 34% saying that they would like to lose weight and 27% saying that want to eat healthier in January and onwards. Reducing stress (18%) and drinking less alcohol (11%) were also high on the priority list for 2024.

It should be a successful start to the county-wide health kick, as 42% residents claim that previous resolutions have been kept to for six months or more and just 7% slipping in the first week.

Fortunately, for anyone who's looking to make a change but struggles to stick to goals, Ready to Change is a great free online tool with lots of support. Those looking to reach a healthy weight, drink less or give up smoking can go online and there are quizzes to help you understand what you might need to improve as well as loads of tips and information about free support in Norfolk.

Professor of health psychology Felix Naughton, a behaviour change expert from the University of East Anglia said: "Planning is key to successfully achieving your goal. Write down your goal, including how and when you will achieve it, get the support of friends and family, and think about anything that might get in the way and how you will get around it."

Cllr Bill Borrett, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing at Norfolk County Council, said: "New year is an important time to take stock and I think it's extremely positive to see that so many people in Norfolk are planning to use New Year's resolution to help them improve their health and wellbeing. The Ready to Change website is an amazing tool to help us all stick to our goals and is available all year round - for whenever you need it."

Visit www.readytochange.co.uk for help setting your goals and action plans to get you the success you deserve in 2024.

*Online survey of 153 Norfolk residents carried out from 11 - 18 December.