Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives, says UK Govt

Empower & Inspire: Spread Health & Wellness

A new ?372 million cross-government strategy to help England’s population lead healthier lives was published by the UK Health Secretary, Alan Johnson and the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls.

The Government’s groundbreaking strategy supports the creation of a healthy society – from early years, to schools and food, from sport and physical activity to planning, transport and the health service.

It will bring together employers, individuals and communities to promote children’s health and healthy food; build physical activity into our lives; support health at work; and provide incentives more widely to promote health. It will also provide effective treatment and support when people become overweight or obese.

Having been at least 30 years in the making, the obesity trend will not be halted overnight. This strategy is a first step and will be followed by an annual report that assesses progress, looks at the latest evidence and trends and make recommendations for further action. A panel of experts will assist the Government, with input from a new public health obesity observatory that will develop our understanding of what changes behaviour.

Alan Johnson said:

“Tackling obesity is the most significant public and personal health challenge facing our society. The core of the problem is simple – we eat too much and we do too little exercise. The solution is more complex. From the nature of the food that we eat, to the built environment, through to the way our children lead their lives – it is harder to avoid obesity in the modern environment.

“It is not the Government’s role to hector or lecture people, but we do have a duty to support them in leading healthier lifestyles. This will only succeed if the problem is recognised, owned and addressed in every part of society.”

The strategy supports the creation of a healthy society through five key elements:

? the healthy growth and development of children
? promoting healthier food choices
? building physical activity into people’s lives
? creating incentives for better health
? Personalised advice and support.

A panel of experts will also assist the Government, with input from a new public health obesity observatory, to develop our understanding of what changes people’s behaviour.

The strategy will be followed by a yearly report that will assess progress, look at the latest evidence and trends, and make recommendations for further action.

Source: Department of Health, UK, UK


Leave a Comment

Health Newstrack