Residents to have say on new strategy to phase out obesity in Havering
Havering Council is aiming to eradicate childhood obesity in 20 years and is asking residents for their views.
A new consultation is asking residents to give their views on living a healthier lifestyle.
The Council has been working in partnership with over 25 local organisations to develop a strategy to address obesity in Havering.
Research shows that Havering has high rates of childhood and adulthood obesity, with approximately one in five reception aged children, two in five year 6 aged children and 65 percent of adults being overweight or obese, making the borough one of the most overweight in London.
Where we live, work and play has a huge impact on what we eat, how much we eat and how much exercise we get during the day.
If surrounded by unhealthy options, it makes it more difficult to have a healthy lifestyle.
The Council, working alongside partners, such as the NHS, believes that working to make healthier choices the easier choice will help residents to live a healthier and longer life.
Now it wants to hear residents’ views on its proposal to tackle obesity over the next five years.
Councillor Gillian Ford, Cabinet Member for Public Health, said children are starting to have health problems that were once only seen in adults, including increasing rates of type 2 diabetes which is creating more pressure on the NHS.
She said: “Obesity and being overweight is causing ill-health and cutting lives short. The reasons for the increase in obesity are very complex.
"The Healthy Weight Strategy sets out why we need to work together and take action on a number of levels.
“If we’re to achieve our 20 year ambition of eradicating childhood obesity, it will only be by everyone working together that we will be successful in making the borough a healthier place for residents, the workforce, and for the children who are growing up in Havering.”
Councillor Ford added:
“Obesity and being overweight can lead to a whole range of health problems.
"People who are overweight are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes and other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and certain cancers.
“It is important that we work together to make it easier for people to keep to a healthier weight.”
The consultation closes on 3 March 2024.