Social Care and Health Scrutiny Commission Tackling Obesity in South Tyneside What we’ve found out so far

why did we decide to have a commission on obesity? It has become a major threat to the nation’s health Costs the economy £2.5billion per year and the NHS £½billion Results in 30,000 premature death per year South Tyneside has been identified as an obesity “hotspot”

what are the aims of the commission? What we are doing to educate people into healthier lifestyles how effective this is? How we are helping people to lose weight and lead healthier lifestyles? What is the national picture on availability of a healthy diet and exercise and how can we influence it?

what have we done? From the PCT/NHS Trust talked to the Director of Public Health PCT Lead on health inequalities Nutrition & Dietetic Services Manager Head of Business Development

What have we done From the council talked to Area Catering Manager (School meals) Head master School cook Healthy schools standard Co-ordinator Cultural Development Manager Principal Sports Development Officer Exercise on Referral Co-ordinator

what have we done? Research National Audit Office PCT lifestyle survey North East Public Health observatory Health Development Agency “Tackling Obesity” national conference Internet searches Media

so what have we found out?

primary care trust 47% of residents in South Tyneside Health are overweight (Lifestyle survey) 1 in 4 children in the borough are overweight Local and national initiatives encourage people to lead healthy lifestyles and involve some good partnership work but these are not joined up formally A “lifestyle team” would be a great step forward

primary care trust A South Tyneside Obesity Strategy will be published which will take into account the commission’s findings.

leisure services A wide portfolio of services that can have an effect on weight loss Very clear national drivers (DCMS, Sport England etc) A range of opportunities. –Sports development –positive future’s scheme –Children's Fund schemes –Intermediate Labour Market Programme –In school coaching and development –extra curricula & club development –active sports provision –training opportunities

leisure services Exercise on referral – grown over last 7 years from 61 referral to 400+ Good outcomes in terms on continued activity and weight loss All GPs can refer but not all do so

school meals Food court/smart care – good practice Difficult keeping kids in school and offering healthy menu Encourage kids to choose healthy options rather than not give the a choice Initiatives – Fruit in schools, Healthy schools standard, FEAST

diabetes 3% of the population have type 2 diabetes (linked to obesity) Around 5500 in South Tyneside, now including some children Decreases life expectancy, increases risk of heart disease, stroke, blindness and many more Huge personal costs financial costs to the NHS We need to manage/prevent type 2 diabetes

healthy schools standard Aims to –Raise pupil achievement –Reduce inequalities –Promote social inclusion Whole school approach Involves partnership at a national, regional local and school level

Dietetic Service Current service Adults –BMI>30 –BMI>28 + associated condition Dietary advice Drug therapy (Xenical) Advice on exercise 1-3 month review

Dietetic Service current service for Children –BMI in top 2% modest weight loss/ weight maintenance during growth Encourage non-sedentary activities Whole family approach

Research

Health development Agency Published research showing which interventions work in –Preventing obesity and overweight in children and adolescents –Treatment of obesity and overweight in children and adolescents –Prevention of obesity and overweight in adults –Treatment of obesity and overweight in adults

Tackling obesity National Conference – big issues To tackle obesity/overweight successfully, the public need to be fully engaged It IS an epidemic. Levels of overweight and obesity are high and rising Physical activity is key– not just about diets Some diets work but only in short term Groups/commercial clubs help

Government Wanless report (Feb 2004) said that tackling lifestyle issues is the biggest challenge facing the health services and partners Chief Medical Officer advocates 30mins of exercise 5 times a weeks for everyone Commons select committee on health criticised the government’s handling of the obesity epidemic.

Media Obesity has been a big issues over the past 6 months BBC produced 15 articles on their website relating to obesity over a 3 month period Gazette have followed suit – may be potential to work in partnership to raise awareness

What conclusions have we reached so far?

conclusions Lots of initiatives that can assist people in leading a healthy lifestyle and lose weight but these are not that co-ordinated The obesity strategy will allow us to do this better Concentrate on things we know are effective

conclusions A multi-disciplinary “Lifestyle Team”, has some considerable support as a way forward Raise the profile of obesity so that lifestyle issues become a bigger priority for people Look at our own organisations to see what healthy choices we provide employees

conclusions Need policy initiatives across all services that give people have access to healthy choices. We need to influence that national agenda Building Schools for the Future is an opportunity for increasing healthy opportunities for children and communities.

What do we do next Talk to GPs Visit the town centre/local supermarkets Look at links to the regeneration strategy Provision of open spaces and safe places to play Health promotion service Engage local people in the debate

What do we do next More research (including experiences in other countries eg USA and Finland) Develop recommendations – probably late July/August