London's victory in the competition to host the 2012 Olympic Games will boost efforts to tackle obesity and unhealthy lifestyles, the health secretary, Patricia Hewitt, said today.

Speaking after London was confirmed as the venue for the 2012 Olympics, Ms Hewitt said winning the bid to host the games gave "added impetus" to government plans to improve the health of the nation.

"The real legacy of the Olympics and Paralympics will be all of those people who are encouraged to get involved in sport and physical activity, and improve their health," she said.

"The health benefits of being physically active are enormous in terms of reducing obesity and preventing heart disease, type II diabetes and cancer."

Ms Hewitt said the build-up to the games would lead on from measures outlined in the public health white paper, Choosing Health, which addresses smoking, obesity and sexual health.

Sir Liam Donaldson, the chief medical officer for England, said: "Winning this bid will give a huge boost to improving the health and wellbeing not just of Londoners but of people across England.

"It will encourage people to get involved in sport and physical activity. Encouraging children to get active will reverse the upward trend of childhood obesity. This is a great opportunity to improve the health of the nation."