The Government is concerned about the levels of obesity in this country. The latest Health Survey for England (HSE) data shows us that nearly 1 in 4 adults, and over 1 in 10 children aged 2-10, are obese.
In 2007, the Government-commissioned Foresight report predicted that if no action was taken, 60% of men, 50% of women and 25% of children would be obese by 2050.
Obesity can have a severe impact on people’s health, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and heart and liver disease.
There is also a significant burden on the NHS - direct costs caused by obesity are estimated to be £4.2 billion per year and forecast to more than double by 2050 if we carry on as we are.
We want people to know that they can change their lifestyle and make a difference to their health.
The Government will provide clear, consistent messages on why people should change their lifestyle, how to do so, and put in place ways to make this easier. We will also work in partnership with local government, charities and business to reduce obesity.
A Public Health White Paper is to be published later this year, setting out how we will achieve this.
Change4Life is England’s first ever national social marketing campaign to promote heathly weight. It aims to prevent people from becoming overweight by encouraging them to eat well, move more and live longer.
The convenience stores programme is a partnership between the Department of Health and the Association of Convenience Stores to increase the availability of fresh fruit and vegetables in areas that might otherwise have limited access to them.
Since the programme began in November 2008, 100 stores in the North East of England have joined up and are selling fresh fruit and vegetables using Change4Life branding. Evaluation of the stores taking part in the programme show an increase in sales of fruit and vegetables of up to 50% in some stores.
Following the national roll-out, launched in March 2010, there are now around 150 stores taking part in the programme, with more roll-outs across the country scheduled during the next six months.
The National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) is an annual programme to measure the height and weight of all children in Reception and Year 6. The information is used to help the NHS and local authorities plan and provide better health services for children.
Most areas are now sharing each child’s individual results with parents, along with Change4Life tips and an invitation to parents to contact their local NHS if they want to discuss the results or get further advice. Sharing a child’s results with the parents gives them the information they need to make the best possible decisions about their child’s health.
In additon to this, we are encouraging PCTs to invite parents and carers of children identified as underweight, overweight or obese to take up an offer of advice or support.
The OLC is for those who work to reduce obesity. It provides an opportunity to share best practice, discuss issues with others working in this area, access resources and to keep up to date with the latest developments.
The National Obesity Observatory (NOO) provides a single point of contact for wide-ranging, authoritative data and evidence on overweight, obesity and their causes. Work includes providing analysis of the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP), and developing evaluation tools to promote practice-based evidence.
A comprehensive package of material for health professionals, as well as information to be given to patients, including Obesity Care Pathways for adults and children and a weight loss guide for patients.
