Agenda item

Report of the Director of Public Health.

The Committee received a report and presentation providing details of the evidence gathering session that will take place on the review of obesity across the life course. It was highlighted that the review will help the Committee to consider and understand the complexity of the obesity agenda.

From the presentation it was noted that there are several major challenges in regard to obesity, these include:

·         Obesity is considered to be one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21^st century

·         Associated with a wide range of health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cancer, musculoskeletal disease, and other chronic diseases

·         69% of adults in Gateshead are classed as overweight or obese (North East 66%, England 61%

·         Public health is about promoting health and wellbeing, preventing ill health and prolonging life through the organised efforts of society

·         This has a whole range of effects, health and wellbeing being the most obvious, but there are others

It was further noted that the annual cost of obesity to the wider economy amounts to £27bn, this figure was broken down to £13.3bn for obesity medication, £5.1 in costs to the NHS, £352m in social care costs and £16m in obesity attributed days sickness.

The Committee were then provided a summary of the complexity of issues relating to obesity with reference to food production, consumption, societal influences, psychological influences, activity environments and biology. In addition to this information, the influence of a variety of food production companies was highlighted. companies such as Nestle, Coca-Cola and Unilever were noted to be amongst the biggest 10 companies that generate revenues of more than $1.1bn per day.

From the presentation an overview of the challenges faced in tackling obesity was noted. It was further noted that there is a lack of evidence as to what works in addition to combatting ingrained attitudes to social norms.

Information was then presented to the Committee illustrating the prevalence of obesity in reception ages children in the North East and in children at Year 6 of school. Additionally, it was noted that across Gateshead, areas of the highest deprivation showed the largely prevalence of obesity in children.

The Committee received information relating to the key findings within adults. It was noted that nationally, 58% if women and 68% of men are overweight or obese. It was then highlighted that within Gateshead 69% of adults have excess weight which is significantly worse than the England average of 61.3% and the regional average of 66.3%.

An overview of potential interventions was provided highlighting that a multi-level, multi-strand approach would be required. It was also noted that this is a long-term goal given the complexity of the issue and the varying factors that influence weight over the life course. It was further noted that opportunities exist currently within the Council’s Thrive agenda in addition to a system approach that aligns to health in all policies.

It was asked which of the multiple influences on weight across the life course the Council could influence. It was noted this could be done via planning policy, highlighting the changes to the Council’s hot food takeaway rules. Additionally, if was noted that the Council can have influence in town planning and infrastructure to provide more open spaces and play areas. It was also noted that tackling the problem would require joint working with Council partners such as the NHS.

A question was raised on what schools are doing to combat obesity in school age children. It was noted that schools will promote healthy options within their canteens and the ‘Healthy School Award’ is now back despite this being voluntary. It was further noted that that the Schools Sports Partnership will promote physical education in activity in school. It was asked whether the ‘Daily Mile’ programme could be rolled out to all schools – it was noted that some schools do this and have seen the benefits but that this is a voluntary scheme.

A comment was made that the impact of food bank supplied foods to families may also have impacted on healthy weights across Gateshead noting that items supplied from food banks are not fresh and can be highly processed.

It was noted that the information supplied within the report and presentation was disappointing. It was further stated that more support from Central Government was needed nationally to provide interventions to prevent unhealthy lifestyles.

RESOLVED:

(i)            The Committee noted the approach and content set out in the report and agreed to receive additional updates on the work being done at future meetings.