Agenda item

To receive a report updating the Committee with progress since the implementation of the Hampshire Healthy Weight Strategy.  

The Committee received a report and presentation by Sian Davies, Consultant in Public Health on behalf of the Director of Public Health, providing an update on the Hampshire Healthy Weight Strategy (Item 7 in the Minute Book).

Members were taken through the presentation and it was explained that the healthy weight strategy was a key priority for Hampshire County Council, with the strategy focussing on families and the impact on healthy weight from wider influences in society such as social media.  The link between weight gain in children and young people and possible future health issues was also highlighted, and attention was drawn to the national programme of measuring the height and weight of school children in Year R and Year 6.  The results of the programme showed that 23% of children in Year R and 26% of children in Year 6 were overweight or obese, and the likelihood of weight gain continuing into adulthood was highlighted.

Links between increasing levels of weight and consequences for mental health and self-esteem were explained, as well as the possibility of developing Type 2 diabetes.  Members heard that the main cause of weight gain was too much sugar consumption, and at a wider level, Government obesity plans were seeking to address high fat, high sugar food marketing.

Officers explained how work with travel planning teams could make a difference in promoting travel to and from school in an active way rather then parents choosing to travel by car for the whole journey.  Work was also being undertaken with the County Council’s catering service to ensure sugar content was kept to a minimum in school meals.  The importance of encouraging children and parents to make healthy food choices was also highlighted.  The success of programmes designed to promote regular activity in children and young people such as Energise Me and the Golden Mile were outlined.

In response to questions, Members heard:

·        That food choices are complex, and research has shown that people may feel constrained with food choices depending on life circumstances.  It was noted that research also indicated that people may not make healthy food choices that were likely to be rejected by children when budgets were tight.

·        That it was felt that a shift in culture was needed to ensure that unhealthy sweets and treats were not used as ‘rewards’ for children.

·        That money from the sugar tax levy had transferred to the County Council in July, and Public Health has worked with County Council colleagues to prioritise primary schools in the county to receive funding from this.

·        That a nutritionist from Public Health is working with providers of school meals to provide support and assist with planning healthy and nutritious school meals.

·        That activities in schools such as the Golden Mile/Daily Mile at the start of the school day, have proven to increase levels of children’s concentration for the rest of the school day as well as increase physical activity levels.

·        That the density of takeaways and fast food outlets is greater in areas of deprivation, and planning controls were being considered so that these outlets are not opened near to schools.

·        That the Public Health team continued to work closely with local stakeholders as part of the healthy new town initiative in Whitehill and Bordon, which has seen the added value of partnership working.  A number of initiatives have benefitted children such as the implementation of park and stride sites.  The benefit of Councillors being part of planning committees at a district and borough level was also highlighted.

·        That children in care received annual health assessments, and a nutritionist is working with children’s homes and increasingly with foster carers.

·        The significance of food technology as a school subject has decreased over time nationally, which can be attributed to it being a resource heavy subject because of ingredients required and equipment. 

·        That the Food Specialist Inspector for Hampshire works closely with the County Council in helping children lead healthier lives.

RESOLVED:

That the Children and Young People Select Committee note the progress on the Hampshire Healthy Weight Strategy 2015-2019 and supports the systems approach to tackling the issue of childhood obesity.