An MP has called on people to eat their Easter eggs with "alacrity" after an NHS chief urged people to not eat them in one go.
NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board has told people to enjoy their seasonal chocolate treats in moderation.
Finder reports are projected to spend over £2billion on Easter 2024, with an average spend of £53 each.
The Essex NHS chief has told people to enjoy sweet treats, but "please don’t overdo it."
Dr Andrew Kelso has urged people to ease on Easter egg eating
PA/NHS
Medical director at the NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board Dr Andrew Kelso said: "The Easter holidays are a fantastic opportunity for rest and relaxation with our families, which is so important for our wellbeing.
"This will also be a time when, for many of us, our consumption of chocolate and sweets increases. Yet, many people don’t realise that an average Easter egg contains around three-quarters of an adult’s recommended daily calorie intake.
"At a time like this when we are seeing significant increases in cases of obesity and Type 2 diabetes, as well as tooth decay, I urge people to enjoy their Easter eggs in moderation and resist the urge to eat a whole egg in one go.
"As well as Easter eggs many of us will be meeting up with family and friends for social occasions, which will see us eat more cakes and biscuits. Combined, it all adds up to a lot of extra sugar and calories which doesn’t do our bodies any good. Enjoy your sweet treats, but please don’t overdo it."
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Conservative MP John Hayes
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However, John Hayes, Conservative MP for South Holland and The Deepings and chair of the Common Sense Group encouraged people to enjoy their Easter eggs with readiness.
He said: "Easter is a time of new life. Anything that inhibits the message of Easter is to be viewed upon undesirably. I urge people to eat their Easter eggs with alacrity."
Dr Kelso also urged people to consider NHS staff this Easter, asking people to do all they can to look after themselves.
He said: "One of the easiest and simplest ways of looking after yourself is to have at hand the medicine cabinet essentials including paracetamol, sticking plasters, indigestion remedy and anti-diarrhoeal medicine. Your pharmacist will be happy to offer advice on what medicines you should keep at home.
Dr Kelso added: "It’s also important to have enough repeat prescription medicine to last over the holidays.
"Remember your GP surgery will be closed on Good Friday (March 29) and Easter Monday (April 1) and you need to leave at least 48 hours for your surgery to process a repeat prescription and additional time for your pharmacy to dispense it."