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Councillors and committees

Agenda item

Review of healthy weight (across the life course)

Report of the Director of Public Health

Minutes:

The Committee received a report and presentation providing further detail of the review of healthy weight across the life course. The presentation focussed on ‘Obesity and the built environment’ and was delivered by Professor Tim Townshend of Newcastle University.

 

It was highlighted from the presentation that there are a multitude of determinants of health and wellbeing in our neighbourhoods, these included the natural environment, local economy and people.

 

It was noted that health inequality also influences the life expectancy of individuals; it was stated that life expectancy amongst the most deprived is lower than that of the least deprived. It was emphasised that obesity is a complex issue with varying factors and influences on society that can impact on weight.

 

The Committee were provided with an overview of such factors which included:

 

·         The Obesogenic Environment

·         Neighbourhood Food Environments

·         ‘Toxic High Streets’

·         Planning and Fast Food Takeaways

 

The presentation also highlighted that there is also evidence relating to physical environments and the influence over healthy weight and wellbeing. These included:

 

·         Green and blue spaces

·         Greenspace and physical activity

·         Walkable neighbourhoods

·         Urban Greenways

·         Cycle Infrastructure

·         Garden Allotments & Community Gardens

 

It was noted that evidence around fast food takeaways and planning has a role, Gateshead was highlighted as a good example of this regarding it’s planning rules around hot food takeaways.

 

A comment was made noting that Gateshead is proud of the impact that the planning rules have had on reducing the number of hot food takeaways in the borough; however, it was acknowledged that there is still work to be done. A further comment was made noting that not enough children in the borough are walking to school, it was stated that there is too much reliance on parents driving children to and from school which discourages physical activity and causes a nuisance at school entrances. It was also stated that school drop offs and pickups are having a negative impact on air quality around schools.

 

The Committee noted that the presentation was excellent and provided a lot of ‘food for thought’. It was also stated that whilst Gateshead has a lot of green space, it does not yet have the infrastructure to improve cycle ways in rural areas.

 

It was suggested that there are an increased number of hot food takeaways in deprived areas due to cheaper business rents. It was also stated that to many, particularly those who lack the skills and knowledge to cook for themselves, that venues such as McDonalds can provide a low cost source of protein to individuals.

 

Concerns were raised over the sale of sugary cereals, particularly those targeted at children. It was also noted that whilst planning departments have role to play, there is a wider agenda to be met with regard to sugar use in food products which needs to be approached from a national level.

 

The recent report presented at Council by the Director of Public Health was discussed. The Committee also noted that the report was well received by Councillors and made comment that information and education around food choices should start at home and be reinforced in schools.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(i)            The Committee noted the contents of the report and presentation.

(ii)           The Committee agreed to receive additional updates at the next meeting.

 

 

Supporting documents:

 

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