Agenda item

A presentation was provided by Carrie Wardle, Public Health Specialist, outlining the whole systems prevention approach tailored to local needs to address childhood obesity.  The Panel noted the complexity of the issue with multiple causes and no simple solution to address a persons body weight and size. 

Following the presentation the following key areas were addressed by the Panel:

Instant food advertising – concern was expressed with regard to the amount of fast food advertising was currently shown on television and it was noted that a Public Health project had just commenced focusing on the levels of high sugar, fat and salt in fast foods and it was hoped that this type of advertising would reduce in future.

School healthy eating programmes – the Panel was encouraged to hear that some of the Borough’s schools had achieved the Healthy Learning, Healthy Lives award but the exact numbers of schools that had achieved this was unknown.

It was acknowledged that the Public Health team had presented to schools and governing bodies on how they could assist with and promote healthy eating programmes.  It was noted that there were currently four strands to the accreditation that schools had to provide evidence against, providing an holistic approach to well-being.  It was stressed by a Member that a number of Councillors were School Governors and whilst schools could not be forced to undertake the accreditation, it would be useful if they could encourage schools to take part.

It was also noted that the Healthy Learning, Healthy Lives programme criteria was due for review and that an enhanced award was currently available for schools if they chose to go over and above requirements of the current criteria.

Role Model approach within communities – it was stressed that this was important for young people and children to receive support, particularly in response to the challenges social media could create, for example reactionary responses to dieting.  Good examples were again raised, including walking clubs and nutrition information sessions.

Mindful eating – the approach by Public Health with regard to weight management and relationships with food was welcomed.  For example, acknowledging hunger and fullness positions in children, for example, ensuring a child had time to eat in a calm environment and understanding that they did not have to finish their plate if they had eaten enough.

Other issues addressed included:

·         Licensing and Planning applications – it was noted that Public health was consulted on and provided evidence with regard to any new applications for food establishments.

·         the national obesity position – national childhood data 2020 identified Doncaster as now being worse the national average;

·         Learning the basics of nutrition, practical skills and cooking at school;

·         Behaviour change to tackle obesity, particularly over the past 10 to 20 years – it was noted that the whole systems approach was required to impact on a persons ability to make healthier choices.  Education alone and providing information was not enough to change behaviour to nutrition and healthy eating but creating a circumstance for people to make the changes is required;

·         Consultation through Doncaster Talks with the assistance of an academic from Leeds University asking questions around the family dynamics, for example, where do you shop, what food is available to you, do you cook regular meals from scratch, do you have family meals together;

·         Food production and its effect on obesity – mass manufactured processed food that contained high salt, sugar and fat levels;

·         Interventions required in Doncaster – a tiered approach would be undertaken from information provision to more intensive support being offered through the school nursing service to provide tailored support with families.  It was noted that not all families would welcome assistance from the school nursing system;

·         School nurse resources - concern was expressed that approximately 20 school nurses could not cover and support the large remit but it was acknowledged that if the interventions proposed make a difference then this was a good start to push for additional resources;

·         Stronger Families Unit – it was noted that this team supported work being undertaken by Public Health;

RESOLVED:  That the report and discussion, be noted.