William Eichler 09 May 2019

Prevention work for tackling obesity under threat from cuts, council chiefs say

Early intervention by councils is ‘vital’ for dealing with obesity, council chiefs say as new figures reveal a 15% increase in hospital admissions where obesity was a factor.

The latest figures from NHS Digital reveal that there were 711,000 hospital admissions where obesity was a factor in 2017/18. This represents a 15% (94,000) increase on 2016/17.

Around two thirds of the admissions where obesity was recorded as either a primary or secondary diagnosis in 2017/18 were for women (66%).

According to the Statistics on Obesity, Physical Activity and Diet, England, 2019, adult obesity prevalence stood at 29% in 2017, an increase from 26% in 2016.

Prevalence of child obesity in both Reception and Year 6 was over twice as high in the most deprived areas than in the least deprived areas. 13% compared to 6% in reception year, and 27% compared to 12% in Year 6.

Around 68% of men and 64% of women aged 19 and over met the Government's physical activity guidelines for adults in 2017/18. 21% of men and 23% of women were classed as inactive in 2017/18.

Responding to the figures, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said that obesity was ‘one of our most serious public health challenges’.

He argued that ‘early intervention and prevention work by councils’ was ‘vital’ for tackling it.

‘Not only does it reduce the risk of people having their lives shortened by obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease, but it also keeps the pressure off the NHS and adult social care.’

Cllr Hudspeth also warned that such early intervention by local authorities was under threat by Government cuts.

‘Councils are leading efforts to fight obesity, but have seen their public health funding budgets fall by £700m in real terms since 2015/16, which needs to be reversed in the upcoming Spending Review if they are to continue this cost-effective work and reduce health inequalities between different areas,’ he said.

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Makaton Tutor - Part Time / Term Time

Essex County Council
£25821.00 - £30377.00 per annum + + Pension
Makaton Tutor - Part Time / Term TimePermanent, Part Time£30,377 per annum, full time equivalent / equal to £15.74 per hour.Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Assistant Urban Design Intern

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Assistant Urban Design InternFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Wellbeing and Independence Practitioner - Safeguarding Team

Essex County Council
£31931.00 - £36423.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Wellbeing and Independence Practitioner - ASC Centralised Safeguarding TeamFixed Term, Full Time£31,931 to £36,423 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Financial Strategy Manager (Revenue)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we invest in our borough's future.Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we inves England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Manager - Locality

Wakefield Council
£55,979.00, Grade 13
Wakefield Children’s Services have been rated by Ofsted as GOOD with outstanding leadership. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner