Summary: Local Authority Strategy To Target Obesity

Local Authority Strategy to Target Obesity 2015-2020

Obesity is a local, national, and international problem. Over the past 25 years obesity rates in England have increased by more than 50% and being overweight has become accepted as a norm for adults, with estimates that by 2050 half the population will be obese (Foresight, 2007). As a society the UK is less active than it once was, jobs are less physically active, cars are routinely relied upon even for short journeys, whilst easy access to cheaper, highly energy dense foods that are high in fat, sugar, salt and low in nutrients are consumed (Department of Health, 2008). Obesity contributes to premature mortality, increases the risk of diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular

There are 553 takeaways and fast food outlets in Liverpool, the sixth highest across towns and cities in England (Food Active, 2014). The perceived poor quality of school meals and cheapness and easy access to fast food acts as a barrier for young people to eat healthier (Shepherd et al, 2006). Although the link between obesity and fast food takeaways is a matter of common sense, the evidence for policy reform is limited. Although a review by Papas et al (2007) found strong evidence that obesity is positively linked with close proximity and dense concentration of fast food outlets but important consideration must be given to the social and physical environments that individuals have no control over, which influence

A study by Knai et al (2006) showed that for children to consume more fruit and vegetables nutritional education should be combined with greater access to fruit and vegetables in school settings, which the School fruit and vegetable scheme provides. An analysis of schemes providing fruit and Vegetable to school children by de Sa and Lock (2007) showed that children receiving fruit and vegetables in school had a significantly increased daily intake than children who did not. There was no significant change in fruit and vegetables consumption once the children grew out of the programme, but this could be due to economic or personal reasons on their parent’s behalf, so universal provision is considered a positive (Wells and Nelson,