Richmond (Parliament Politics Magazine) – New figures show a decline in adult obesity rates across Richmond, though levels remain above pre-pandemic benchmarks, raising ongoing public health concerns.
As reported by Twickenham Nub News, according to data from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, the percentage of adults in England who are predicted to be obese in 2023–2024 varies by local authority area.
Data from the Sport England Active Lives Adult Survey was used to determine the numbers.
They also discovered that, although it is greater than it was in 2018/2019, the percentage of adults in Richmond Upon Thames predicted to be living with obesity in 2023/2024 has declined from 2022/2023.
According to the data, Richmond’s proportion dropped from 20.5% in 2022–2023 to 14.7% in 2023–2024, but it was 12.5% in 2018–2019.
Through evidence-based interventions and resident insights, efforts are made to increase the accessibility and acceptability of healthier food options, empowering residents to make better dietary choices.
However, between 2022/2023 and 2023/2024, Kingston, which is adjacent, saw a 0.3% gain in percentage numbers, rising from 15.5% to 15.8%.
Compared to many other local authorities, such as Bolton or Slough, whose percentages are in the 30s, Richmond has a lower percentage.
What initiatives have been implemented in Richmond to reduce adult obesity rates?
Plan for Nutrition, Weight, and Healthy Eating (2022–2026) The goal of the five-year plan is to develop a thorough agenda for nutrition in order to encourage a healthy weight and lessen health disparities.
Limiting the marketing and advertising of foods rich in fat, sugar, and salt, encouraging the purchase and catering of nutritious food in local settings, and launching campaigns to increase awareness and motivate locals to make healthier food choices are important steps.
The goal of the Richmond Public Health Physical Activity Plan (2021–2031) is to increase physical activity, particularly among vulnerable and sedentary populations. It encourages working with local communities, nonprofit organizations, and council departments to create “Active People, Active Communities, and Active Environments.”
The strategy finances community-led physical activity projects, promotes the use of parks and outdoor areas, and backs programs like the Moves campaign.