Latest news with #OfficeforHealthImprovementandDisparities
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Obesity surge sees Island's rates soar past Southampton and Hampshire
Obesity rates on the Isle of Wight have risen sharply, with alarming figures not just among adults but also among the Island's children, according to the latest public health data. In 2023/24, 29.9 per cent of adults on the Isle of Wight were estimated to be living with obesity – a stark increase from 21.9 per cent the year before. The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities have used Sport England's Active Lives Adult Survey to compile the data. Recommended reading: Anger, dismay and concern expressed over state of Ventnor Winter Gardens Cowes superyacht design nominated for prestigious award This marks one of the biggest year-on-year rises in obesity across the South East, with the Island now surpassing neighbours like Southampton (24.9 per cent) and Hampshire overall (27 per cent), though still slightly behind Portsmouth (31.4 per cent). However, the trend does not stop with adults. According to the IW Council's October 2024 Healthy Lives report, childhood obesity is also on the rise: 23.8 per cent of children in reception (aged four – five) are overweight or obese, higher than the England average of 21.3 per cent. By Year 6 (ages 10 – 11), this increases to 35.7 per cent, just below the national average of 36.6 per cent. Overweight and obesity in children significantly raise the risk of chronic health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and poor mental health as they grow older. The Island also reports that 60.4 per cent of adults are either overweight or obese, reinforcing the long-term nature of the issue. The IW Council responded by commissioning a Tier 2 weight management service for adults, which targets men, ethnic minority groups, and those in deprived areas.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Obesity remains a 'significant health challenge' as latest figures revealed
OBESITY remains a 'significant public health challenge' in Dorset as almost a quarter of residents live with the condition. The latest figures published by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities has shown that 24.3 per cent of residents in the Dorset Council area were living with obesity last year. Obesity is a medical condition defined by having an excessive amount of body fat -a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher - and despite a reduction in numbers of people living with the condition from the previous year (28.9 per cent), the health issue remains higher than pre pandemic levels and is a still a concern. To tackle the issue, Dorset Council says it it working closely with its partners in the health and leisure sectors to help people make healthy choices. Rachel Partridge, acting director for public health and prevention at Dorset Council (Image: Public Health Dorset) Rachel Partridge, acting director for public health and prevention at Dorset Council, said: 'We welcome the latest data from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, which shows a positive reduction in obesity levels across the Dorset Council area. "While it is encouraging to see a drop from 28.9 per cent to 24.3 per cent over the past year, obesity remains above pre-pandemic levels and continues to pose a significant public health challenge. 'We recognise that reducing obesity requires a whole-system approach. We are working closely with NHS partners in Dorset, Active Dorset, schools, and community organisations to create environments and opportunities that make healthy choices easier for everyone." Dorset Council already has several initiatives and projects underway to help improve people's health and wellbeing. This includes a £2 million investment into the Redland Leisure Centre in Weymouth to improve its facilities. The council is also trying to encourage more people to use the Beryl bike scheme that was brought to Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester last year as well other cycling and walking initiatives. Dorset Council is encouraging people to make healthier lifestyle choices in order to help reduce obesity across the county (Image: Canva) The council spokesperson added: 'Dorset Council is committed to helping residents live healthier lives and reducing health inequalities, including supporting people to maintain a healthy weight. Tackling obesity is complex and requires action from individuals, communities, and all levels of government. "Physical activity plays a vital role, and we're investing in this through the £2 million redevelopment of Redlands Leisure & Community Park, expanding Dorset Health Walks, and encouraging cycling via the Beryl Bike Scheme and our 'Get Back in the Saddle' initiative. "Our goal is to build a healthier Dorset where all residents can thrive. This includes promoting and encouraging the use of our beautiful blue and green spaces. 'We are also proud of the LiveWell Dorset service which offers free behavioural support for weight management and physical activity." The council also has an 'Active 4 Health hub' to connect people with tailored physical activity opportunities to support both physical and mental wellbeing. Looking ahead, the council says it is also exploring further opportunities for community-based health and leisure programmes, with a strong focus on prevention and early intervention. To find out more about the council's health and activity initiatives visit
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Quarter of adults in York living with obesity, new figures suggest
A quarter of adults in York were living with obesity last year, new figures suggest. It comes as the number of people in the city who have an unhealthy weight is 'significantly higher' now than a decade ago, according to City of York Council's health boss. The estimates have been published by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), using data from the Sport England Active Lives Adult Survey. They suggest that 25.2 per cent of adults in York were living with obesity in 2023/24. The number is an increase of 1.7 per cent compared to the previous year, and up 2.5 per cent from 2018/19. Across England, the figures suggest a growing number of local areas are estimated to have at least a third of adults living with obesity – many of them in the Midlands or the North East. Peter Roderick, City of York Council's director of public health, said the data relating to York is 'similar to the national average, and the numbers of people in the city who don't have a healthy weight is significantly higher now than a decade ago'. A quarter of adults in York were living with obesity last year, new figures suggest (Image: Supplied) He said excess calorie consumption is 'one of the major factors' that contributes to obesity, adding that 'half of our calories now come from ultra processed foods'. Mr Roderick said the council is 'taking action' to combat obesity, including by encouraging healthier food and nutritional options in schools, and providing cookery classes and nutritional education. He added that the council has 'ended the promotion of foods high in fat, salt and sugar, and we're developing plans to shape healthier food environments in the future'. 'We're working with partners across the city to help support everyone to adopt a health approach to nutrition, to consider portion sizes carefully, to increase fruit and vegetable consumption and reduce the portions of non-nutritious ultra-processed foods in their diet. 'York residents looking for ways to lose weight or get more active can find a range of help and support through our Health Trainer service.' Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England's national medical director, has said obesity 'remains one of the biggest public health issues we face as a society'. The figures, he said, 'show a small but concerning rise in the number of overweight and obese people." 'It is crucial we reverse decades of rising obesity rates and the associated cost to the health service, and those who needs support can access help through the NHS weight management programme via their GP," Prof Powis said. Recommended reading: Men's mental health taskforce plan as mayor opens up on his own struggles First five years of life key to preventing obesity, researchers suggest Weight loss injections may have an anti-cancer effect 'beyond weight loss' All the data used by the OHID to compile the estimates is based on height and weight that has been self-reported by the survey's participants, which has then been adjusted to more accurately predict figures that would have been measured by a health professional. 'Obesity is a global and complex public health concern,' an OHID spokesperson said. 'It is associated with reduced life expectancy and is a risk factor for a range of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, liver, and respiratory disease. 'It can also impact on mental health. 'Regular physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, colon and breast cancer, and improved mental health.'
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Over 30 per cent of adults in Bradford are obese, figures suggest
NEW figures have revealed the scale of the obesity problem among adults in Bradford. The estimates have been published by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), using data from the Sport England Active Lives Adult Survey, and suggest that 31.2 per cent of adults living in the area in 2023-24 were obese. This is slightly down from figures from 2022-23, when an estimated 32.9 per cent of adults aged 18 or over were classed as obese. However, the data is still a sharp increase from 2018-19, when 26.5 per cent of adults were obese. Rose Dunlop, interim director of public health at Bradford Council, described obesity as a "growing public health concern globally" and outlined what the authority was doing to help tackle the problem. She said: "In Bradford, we recently launched our Good Food Strategy, which sets our system-wide approach to reducing food poverty, making the supply chain more sustainable, and improve access to healthy food. "Our physical activity strategy, Every Movement Counts, sets out how we are getting people in the district to be more active. "Our Living Well initiative brings together a wide range of resources we have in the district to support children and adults achieve the behaviours which are associated with having a healthy weight, eating a balanced nutritious diet, being more active as we go about our daily activities, and getting good sleep. "From classrooms to campaigns, to community groups and cycle lanes, the aim of Living Well is to transform Bradford a place where it becomes easier for families to live healthier and more active lives. "Under the Living Well initiative, residents of Bradford can also access free home-based support to families and young people who would like personalised confidential support to manage their weight. "Anyone looking for support to ways to improve their wellbeing can visit our website at "We have also just launched our Choose What Works For You campaign which offers people from across the district the opportunity to access a free service to help manage a healthy weight. "This includes Weight Watchers, Slimming World, the Brotherhood and APNA. "These services provide tailored support to help people build better habits, stay motivated and join like-minded people on the same journey in improving health."
Scottish Sun
07-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Shocking number of Brit men who are now classed as fat revealed as urgent action on obesity is demanded
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SEVEN in ten men are now classed as fat — as the number of overweight people continues to rise. Some 64.5 per cent of English adults were overweight or obese last year, figures state. 3 The obesity rate for men the rate is now 69.7 per cent, compared to 59.2 per cent for women Credit: Getty 3 In better news, the report found the proportion of physically active people is rising Credit: Getty That was a 0.5 per cent increase on 2023 — equivalent to around an extra 220,000 people. The total has gradually crept up since data was first collated in 2015, when it was 61 per cent. For men the rate is now 69.7 per cent, compared to 59.2 per cent for women, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities said. But it found the proportion of physically active people is rising. Women were less likely to exercise than men, but likelier to get their five daily portions of fruit and veg. Carrying too much flab can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer. A recent study warned an estimated 50million Brits will be fat by 2050 — up from the current 36.8million — costing the NHS £10billion per year. Katharine Jenner of the Obesity Health Alliance said: 'Successive governments have missed countless opportunities to turn the tide and we urge the current one not to make the same mistake.' The Government plans to ban junk food ads on daytime TV and online from October. The Department of Health said: 'We will shift the focus from sickness to prevention, reducing the burden of obesity on public services and the NHS.' 3 Carrying too much flab can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer Credit: Getty - Contributor
