Tackling overweight and obesity - what works? Alison Giles National Heart Forum, UK

Scope of presentation Potential to reduce CHD incidence Evidence of effectiveness of obesity prevention Evidence of effectiveness of obesity treatment Ideas for local action Useful resources

Why is weight an issue? All-cause mortality Diabetes Hypertension High blood cholesterol Obesity-related cancer Skeletal problems Psychological problems

Coronary heart disease: Estimating the impact of changes in risk factors McPherson K, Britton A, Causer L 2002 London: The Stationery Office

Percentage reduction in CHD cases or deaths

How can obesity be prevented?

Children

Adults Limited and inconclusive evidence Interventions combining diet, physical activity and behavioural strategies appear to be most successful Findings of HDA review of evidence

How can obesity be treated?

Children

Adults

Further research needed Inequalities and minority ethnic groups Effectiveness of commercial weight loss programmes Environmental and population-based interventions Benefit of targeting specific groups versus applying blanket approach

Available from Faculty of Public Health Medicine tel:

Tackling obesity: A toolbox for local partnership action Community Home School Workplace

Community Healthy eating Food pricing Town planning Transport planning Awareness raising Healthy catering options/improved nutrition labelling Physical activity Town planning Transport planning Promote active transport Pricing of facilities Promotion of facilities Campaigns

Home and pre-school Healthy eating Provide advice and support on breastfeeding, weening, and healthy eating Physical activity Advice about active play

School Healthy eating Monitor school meals standards Whole school policies Teach healthy eating Physical activity Active travel Whole school policies Sports coordinators

Workplace Healthy eating Healthy catering options Physical activity Workplace facilities Active travel

Some other resources Walk In to Work Out Pack providing practical assistance to increase walking and cycling to work DTLR Free Literature PO Box 236 Wetherby, Leeds LS23 7NB tel:

Available from Faculty of Public Health Medicine tel:

Coronary heart disease: Guidance for implementing the preventive aspects of the National Service Framework Health Development Agency tel:

National Obesity Forum Guidelines on management of adult obesity and overweight in primary care National Obesity Forum PO Box 6625 Nottingham NG2 5PA tel:

National Obesity Forum/ Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health An approach to weight management in children and adolescents (2-18 years) in primary care