Agenda item

Briefing Note of the Director of Public Health and Wellbeing

The Board considered a briefing note of the Director of Public Health and Wellbeing which provided information on Coventry’s response to obesity in light of national concerns around Covid-19. The briefing note covered why obesity was an important issue; the current local and national figures; factors affecting obesity; the national, regional and local direction; and current work to support the population of Coventry in achieving a healthy weight. The impact of Covid-19 restrictions and lockdown had the potential to increase population risk of obesity and it was now known that obesity increased the risk of adverse outcomes of Covid-19. The paper provided information on the Coventry Health Challenge, which was targeting those at highest risk of adverse outcomes from Covid-19, and described some of the work supporting healthy weight across the city with a focus on children and families.

Carmen Baskerville, John Dewsbury and Ann Marie Kennedy, South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust attended the meeting for the consideration of this item.

The briefing note indicated that living with obesity reduced life expectancy by an average 9 years and increased the chance of serious diseases. In relation to Covid, there was an increased risk of hospitalisation, severe symptoms and death. In Coventry, 62.9% of adults were classified as overweight or obese in 2018/19, with 38% of Year 6 pupils being overweight or obese. Factors affecting obesity included deprivation; familial; ethnic background; gender; work stress; and effects of lockdown.

The Board were informed of the Government strategy published in July 2020 ‘Tackling Obesity: empowering adults and children to live healthier lives’. This acknowledged what needed to be done to tackle obesity and set out a number of plans to deliver the Better Health campaign. As part of the WMCA Wellbeing Board, Coventry shared the ambition to promote healthy weight and wellbeing as the norm and make it easier for people to choose healthier diets and active lifestyles, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, culture or socio-economic group.

The board had three main outcome areas: healthy weight, physical activity, and mental health and wellbeing.    

In Coventry the focus was on a system-wide effort to support the local population in achieving a healthier weight. Reference was made to The Director of Public Health’s Annual Report 2017, ‘Shape Up Coventry’. The Coventry Childhood Obesity Alliance was established to support the recommendations of the report. The Coventry and Warwickshire Place Forum designated 2019 as the Year of Wellbeing to significantly raise the profile of health and wellbeing opportunities for everyone in the locality.

The Coventry Health Challenge was a current community health campaign supported by the Public Health team, focussing on disseminating simple, clear, actionable health messages to key target groups: people who were overweight, over 55s, people with pre-existing health conditions, smokers and BAME groups. The Challenge was based on the Government’s Better Health campaign, the focus being diet and nutrition, physical activity, smoking cessation and immunisations. New toolkits were available each month with a different area of focus within these key themes, including links to resources to support residents in improving their health. The briefing note set out the communication channels with the toolkit being disseminated to a range of local health champions or messengers. The campaign calendar which included the monthly themes was detailed.

The briefing notes set out other actions being undertaken to respond to obesity which included promoting active travel (walking and cycling); promoting sport with over £100m being invested in new sports and leisure facilities in Coventry in 2019, including new facilities at The Alan Higgs Centre and a new waterpark and fitness destination, The Wave. Also, the launch of the Go CV scheme set up to offer discounts to local residents for the city’s art and sports venues. Planning was also being used to encourage healthier lifestyle choices by limiting and applying restrictions on new hot food takeaways. The work of the school nurses who promote children’s health and wellbeing was outlined. Other initiatives included the work of the Family Health and Lifestyles Service for the city.      

The Board noted that Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education had become compulsory for all schools from September 2020.

Members questioned the officers on a number of issues and responses were provided, matters raised included:

·  A concern that the Council was promoting the use of vending machines selling sugary drinks and snacks in Council buildings and Leisure Centres which went against the healthy lifestyle messages

·  A concern about the food and drinks industry, who profit from unhealthy behaviours, being involved with the development of national Public Health policies

·  Was their less physical activity in schools these days and, if so, was this due to competing curriculum demands

·  What were schools doing to communicate the messages of the dangers associated with obesity

·  Further information about the Council’s work with the local foodbanks to promote the benefits of healthy eating to disadvantaged families

·  The importance of obesity being dealt with by national Public Health, not just being left to be dealt with at a local level

·  The support being given to disabled residents to prevent obesity

·  The importance of people having a decent wage to be able to make healthy food choices.     

RESOLVED that:

(1) The paper’s findings be noted.

(2)  All Scrutiny members and Cabinet members to consider how they can identify and strengthen their portfolio contribution to reducing obesity in the city.

(3) The Coventry Health Challenge be supported and Board Members to act as Member Champions within the council and wider community.

(4) Following the concern raised about the selling of sugary drinks and snacks from vending machines in Council buildings and Leisure Centres, the Board be informed about the income received from this venture.

(5) Further consideration be given to supporting families and individuals using the city’s food banks with any measures that will encourage healthy living.

(6) Support be given to any lobbying for future national Public Health initiatives to reduce obesity levels.