The dangers of the ever-expanding global obesity epidemic can no longer be overlooked; Being overweight restricts our body's activity, damages health and shortens life. The health problems caused by excess weight lead to a wide range of debilitating and life-threatening conditions including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, cancers, osteoarthritis, liver and bladder disease, and respiratory and musculoskeletal problems. In addition obesity may lower self-esteem, lead to social discrimination and contribute to mental illness. The stark reality is that overweight and obese people die prematurely.
Obesity represents a growing trend with its incidence having trebled in the last 20 years. England’s share of the global obesity problem amounts to some eight million adults who are classified as obese. In general terms this translates to 56,000 adult men and 50,000 adult women who are overweight or obese in East Surrey3. In children the increasing trend is also evident with percentages of children who are overweight or obese increasing from 20% in 1995 to 25% in 2002.
Whilst at government level task forces are currently in place looking at the national issues and formulating national strategies, it is known that much of this policy will have to become action at a local level. This strategy has been developed as a response to the call for organisations responsible for health care and health promotion to ensure that the prevention and management of overweight and obesity is integral to their strategic direction. It aims to recognise current good practice and build on this whilst also making recommendations on new initiatives.
This strategy recognises the need to develop a cohesive local approach to tackling this issue with the involvement of all relevant partners. It is therefore the aim of the strategy to strengthen links between partnership organisations and make new links in with new organisations. Partners involved are highlighted in the consultation group listing and include; local authorities, Surrey County Council, school meal providers, leisure service providers, Surrey and Sussex Healthcare Trust. The strategy will encourage local ownership and will demonstrate links with local/national plans to ensure effective and efficient use of resources.
Contents
1) Executive Summary
2) Acknowledgements
3) Introduction
4) Detailing the Problem
- Definitions and measures of overweight and obesity
Classification of Obesity
Fat Distribution and Waist Circumference
5) Obesity Trends
6) The Health Risks of Obesity and Overweight
7) Causes of Overweight and Obesity
- Getting a Healthy Balance
Contributing Factors to Obesity Levels
8) Getting the Balance right
- Treatment and Prevention of Obesity and Overweight
Prevention of Overweight and Obesity in Adults and Children
Treatment and Management of Overweight and Obesity in Adults
Treatment and Management of Obesity in Children
9) Developing a Local Action Plan for East Surrey
10) References
11) Action Plan for Pre-School Children
12) Action Plan for School-Age Children
13) Action Plan for the East Surrey Community
14) Action Plan for East Surrey Health Care Providers
15) Strategy Endorsement and Implementation Plan
Appendices
Appendix 1 - National Obesity Forum, 'Guidelines on Management of Adult Obesity and Overweight in Primary Care.'
Appendix 2 - National Obesity Forum, 'Pharmacotherapy Guidelines for Obesity in Adults.'
Appendix 3 - Royal College of Paediatrics & National Obesity Forum, 'An Approach to Weight Management in Children and Adolescents (2-18 years) in Primary Care.'
Appendix 4 - Health Promoting Schools - Nutrition Criteria.
Appendix 5 - Health Promoting Schools - Physical Activity Criteria.
