The winners of the first ever Body Confidence Awards were announced at an event held at the House of Commons in London yesterday (19 April).

The awards were hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Body Image, which forms part of the Campaign for Body Confidence - an initiative lead by the Government Equalities Office.

A total of ten winners were chosen in a diverse range of categories ranging from education and advertising to fitness and broadcasting.

Virgin Active's 'Oomph' marketing campaign won the Sport, Health and Fitness Award - sponsored by Central YMCA - for its use of a range of shapes, ages, sizes and ethnic diversity in its advertising. Virgin Active's campaign was also deemed to have pushed the more extrinsic benefits of being physically active.

It held off competition from the ladies-only gym group, Curves, and lobby group Dance UK - both which were shortlisted for the Sport and Fitness Award.

Commenting on the awards, Rosi Prescott, chief executive of Central YMCA, said: "These awards demonstrate how aware organisations are of body confidence issues and recognises good work in this area.

"The public still report that gyms and health clubs can be intimidating and that we need to continue to improve the way we portray ourselves and to make our offer more accessible to the public.

"There's a lot of great working already taking place and it is important that we reward inspirational and deserving efforts to promote body confidence, diversity and the acceptance of broader beauty ideals.

"Virgin Active won due to their fantastic Oomph campaign, which emphasised the many benefits of exercise - not just achieving a beautiful body and in using diversity in their advertising."

Jo Swinson MP, chair of the APPG on Body Image added: "Research from Central YMCA shows that two in three people think gyms are intimidating and they need to do more to attract people of different shapes and sizes. Virgin Active's Oomph campaign is a brilliant example of how to tackle this."

Steve Dick, sales and marketing director at Virgin Active adds: "We're thrilled that our campaign has been recognised by these awards. One of our core beliefs is that the health club industry should be inclusive no matter what gender, age or level of fitness.

"We pride ourselves on offering something for everyone at the clubs and outside at events such as the Virgin Active London Triathlon."

The Campaign for Body Confidence aims to reduce the burdens that popular culture places on people's wellbeing and self-esteem. Central YMCA is the group's representative for the youth sector and health and fitness.

For the full list of winners, click here.

Image: Rosi Prescott, CEO of Central YMCA which represents the health and fitness industry in the Campaign for Body Confidence.