East Midlands chocaholics urged to '˜dechox' for charity

Figures from the British Heart Foundation have revealed just how obsessed people in the East Midlands are with chocolate.
Photo: Laura EdwardsPhoto: Laura Edwards
Photo: Laura Edwards

The poll revealed that just under half of people in the region held their hands up to being a chocoholic, many admitted to eating chocolate that had gone past it’s sell by date and some even owned up to eating chocolate which had fallen on the floor.

The findings have been released to coincide with the charity’s ‘DECHOX’ fundraising campaign, which challenges people to give up chocolate for the month of March.

Tracy Parker, BHF Heart Health Dietician, said: “It’s no secret that we’re a nation of chocolate-lovers and it’s extraordinary how far people are willing to go for a sweet treat.

“Chocolate should be an occasional treat rather than an everyday habit. Especially as a single chocolate bar averages 250kcals, equivalent to around 10% of a man’s and 12% of a woman’s recommended daily intake, in one sitting.

“By joining thousands of people and signing up to DECHOX you’ll have a great support network around you to kick that chocolate habit.

Whilst it’s only a bit of fun to challenge yourself to dump the chunk for one month, it could be a great way to get into better eating habits and the money raised through sponsorship will help fund vital research to help the 7 million people living with cardiovascular disease in the UK.”

Last year, more than 19,000 people took part in DECHOX, raising almost £800,000 in the fight against heart disease and the charity now wants even more of you to sign up to help them raise £1 million next year.