Todmorden News

Calderdale Council Plan To Tackle Obesity

It costs £53million pounds a year to treat illnesses related to obesity and overweight in Calderdale. And that figure is set to rise to £59 million by 2015. The shocking figures are contained in a report discussed by councillors last week.

A joint meeting of Calderdale Council’s Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’ s Scrutiny Panels considered a report, outlining a 17-point plan to help tackle the problem.

The report follows an investigation over several months by the Joint Scrutiny Working Party on obesity, which gathered evidence from groups and individuals working in education, healthcare and leisure and activity sectors.

It identified the main causes of obesity and acknowledged the many initiatives already being undertaken by the council and partner organisations, such as the NHS and schools to promote healthy lifestyles.

But it also highlighted a major concern around the increase in levels of overweight and obesity among the very young. The report identifies an increase in obesity levels amongst year six children across Calderdale.

“Obese children are at higher risk of becoming obese adults. It is of utmost importance that we take action to reverse this trend.”

The 17 recommendations ask that the council and its partners in healthcare and education should continue to work closely on a range of initiatives to promote healthy lifestyles, better diet and increased physical activity.

Councillor Bob Metcalfe, who chairs the Health and Social Care Scrutiny Panel and the Joint Obesity Joint Working Party, says the report highlights real concerns, particularly around obesity levels amongst younger people.

“Levels of obesity are on the increase, particularly amongst younger people. If we don’t act now, then we face a health time bomb. Not only will individuals suffer from a variety of diseases linked to obesity, but we will all be faced with the increased costs of treating those diseases.

“The Joint Scrutiny Panel Meeting has agreed a 17-point plan, which is designed to ensure that the council, and partners in healthcare, education and leisure and activity organisations work together more closely to promote healthy lifestyles in the future.”

Cllr Metcalfe said that obesity was of such concern that the Joint Panel had agreed that it would continue its work in the future.

Cllr. Metcalfe thanked all of those who had contributed to the report.

“On behalf of the members of the joint working party, I would like to thank all the numerous witnesses who gave us their time and knowledge to assist our work.”