Issue - meetings

To approve the Healthy Weight Strategy.

The Senior Public Health Practitioner and the Service Delivery Manager Health Improvement provided the board with an overview of the Healthy Weight Strategy, which considered the issue of obesity across the borough, highlighting an evidence-led approach that examines physical activity levels and fast food density. Members heard that engagement with the public and health professionals about barriers to healthy weight was conducted in August-September through 28 focus groups, ensuring inclusion of underrepresented priority groups such as males, individuals with learning disabilities, BAME communities, and those over 55.

The Service Delivery Manager Health Improvement advised the Board that Schools played a key role in maintaining a healthy weight in children. The Council were working with local schools to ensure that they can signpost parents to where they can find advice and help. This work included promoting healthier food environments in schools and workplaces, for example not using unhealthy food options as rewards. The Senior Public Health Practitioner explained that often lack of motivation or funds acted as barriers to achieving a healthy weight so they had focused on ensuring the strategy was accessible to all. It was noted that the strategy was underpinned by a whole system approach and that tackling obesity was everyone's business, not just the council's responsibility.  Members were advised that an action plan and the associated performance indicators were being developed and would be included in the strategy document.

Members of the Board expressed concern about the prevalence of obesity, particularly 1 in 4 children in reception being overweight, and welcomed the need for a whole system approach.

RESOLVED - that the Telford and Wrekin Healthy Weight Strategy 2024-2029 be approved.