Agenda item

The Health Improvement Manager for Public Health South Tees and the Program Director for ‘You’ve Got This’ will be in attendance to provide an introduction to the Panel’s new scrutiny topic; there will be a focus on childhood obesity.

Following the presentation, Members will be asked to consider the next steps for the review.

The Health Improvement Manager, Public Health and the Programme Manager of the ‘You’ve Got This’ Project (Sport England), were in attendance to provide an overview of the Panel’s Investigation Topic ‘Healthy Placemaking’, with a focus on childhood obesity.

The presentation introduced the issue of obesity in Middlesbrough, with a particular focus on childhood obesity and outlined the latest National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) statistics, including regional and national comparisons. 

Members noted that in 2024/24, 13.8% of reception-age children (4-5 years) in Middlesbrough were classed as obese or severely obese, compared with 10.8% across the North East and 9.6% nationally.  By Year 6 (ages 10-11) prevalence rose to 25.6% in Middlesbrough, slightly above the North East average of 24.5% and significantly higher than the England figure of 22.1%.  Adult obesity levels were also high, with 71.4% of Middlesbrough adults overweight or obese, compared with 64.5% across England.

Analysis of NCMP data by ward highlighted that obesity levels were generally higher in the more deprived areas of Middlesbrough, including Berwick Hills and Pallister, Brambles and Thorntree, Hemlington and Ayresome.  In contrast, more affluent wards such as Nunthorpe and Marton West recorded some of the lowest levels. North Ormesby recorded the highest prevalence of overweight and obese pupils at Reception age (35.3%), but one of the lowest rates by Year 6 (36.3%).  A Member observed this contrast and queried what specific factors or interventions in North Ormesby might be contributing to the difference.

Information was also provided on national government strategies to tackle obesity. Between 1990 and 2020, 689 policies had been introduced, the majority of which placed the responsibility on the individual, with an emphasis on behavioural change.

The representatives advised that obesity was a complex issue that required a whole-system approach.  Factors such as the physical environment, economic circumstances and education all contribute to lifestyle patters.  Members were then updated on the approaches taken locally by Middlesbrough Council and Sport England, as follows;

·        Healthy Weight Declaration

A Council-wide commitment to improve the health of residents and empower individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices.  The framework involves creating environments that promote healthy choices by improving access, availability, and affordability of healthier food and drink, and increasing opportunities for physical activity.

·        Healthy Impact Assessment for Planning Toolkit

Provides additional capacity to strengthen work around planning and transport infrastructure.  The toolkit is used to identify and maximise the health and wellbeing impacts of new developments and placemaking.

·        Advertising

Local measures to include restrictions on unhealthy products such as fast food and alcohol, including on sites such as bus stops

·        Breastfeeding Campaign

A South Tees initiative aimed at increasing breastfeeding rates to give children the best start in life.

·        Bring it On / Holiday Activities Fund

Offers free, fun activities and healthy food for children and young people aged 5 to 16 during the school holidays.

·        Creating Active Schools

A programme piloted in Bradford which helps schools foster healthier, more active environments for pupils.

·        Eat Well South Tees

Embeds healthy food standards in settings such as schools and early years facilities.

Following the presentation, Members were asked to give further thought to draft Terms of Reference for the Healthy Placemaking review, which would be considered at a future meeting.  They were also advised that, at the next meeting, officers from Planning and Trasport and Infrastructure would provide further information on the same topic.

NOTED.