A report looking at how obesity can be tackled in County Durham will be presented to councillors next week.
The annual report of the Director of Public Health sets out the extent of the problem in County Durham and the rest of the country, explains what causes obesity and highlights the risks associated with it.
It makes a number of recommendations on how organisations, health professionals, the local authority and communities can take action to tackle obesity.
These include:
• Employers promoting physical activity in the workplace and ensuring work canteens offer healthy choices.
• Health professionals making the most of opportunities to offer advice and information to patients, pregnant women and the parents of young children about nutrition and physical activity for the whole family.
• Takeaways, cafes and local shops promoting healthy options to customers in partnership with schools or workplaces.
• Planners ensuring new developments incorporate opportunities for physical activity and active travel such as cycling and walking.
• Communities championing health and wellbeing through initiatives such as events to promote healthier choices and options.
Anna Lynch, Director of Public Health at Durham County Council, said: “I really hope this report has been able to show the complexity and challenge we face to tackle obesity in County Durham and I hope it will spur us all into greater action.
“I know there are already many initiatives and activities taking place across County Durham and being progressed by a whole range of partners but I think we can all do more. This is everyone’s business.”
The findings of the report will be used to inform the development and commissioning of services and also by the community and voluntary sector in developing funding bids.
Members of Durham County Council’s Cabinet will be asked to receive the report when they meet on Wednesday 11 May 2016 at County Hall, in Durham.
