Lincolnshire's overweight and obesity figures up for discussion

Health bosses will tell councillors that obesity is a “growing issue” - with our district suffering from one of the worst records in the region.

Reports for tomorrow’s Lincolnshire County Council Adults and Community Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee say 68% of the county’s over-18s are obese or overweight, higher than the national average of 63%.

Yet in South Holland that issue is even worse - with the latest figures showing 72.9% of adults here being overweight or obese - up 6% on 2015/16. Only Boston (73.4%) has a worse record in Lincolnshire - and only North East Derbyshire (73.8%) is worse than Boston for the East Midlands.

In South Holland, 26.4% of reception children (aged four or five) are overweight or obese - and by the last year of primary school (aged 10 and 11), 38.4% of our district’s children are overweight or obese.

In the report, director of Public Health Derek Ward said: “It is clear that obesity is a growing issue in Lincolnshire, across the nation and internationally.”

Reasons include poor diet, lack of exercise, income and social deprivation.

The report calls on the council to target unhealthy behaviour by moving prevention to the top of the list of priorities - and to review the help it gives to people.

It calls on committees to further review and comment on licensing applications and work with planning departments to promote ‘green masterplans’ and ‘active travel’.

The report states: “Overweight and obesity and the associated diseases are largely preventable.

“Local environments and communities are fundamental to shaping people’s choices

“Therefore, it is important to understand that for people to change their behaviour the healthy choices… and access to safe and open spaces to take exercise, are made the easiest choice.

“Local authorities are ideally placed to support this challenge using planning policies and strategies such as ‘Active Lincs’ to help promote healthier food and drink choices.”

However, it warns it will require a joined-up, long-term approach.

Councillors will be asked to note that LCC will commission a new service to promote Integrated Lifestyle Services - working with the new NHS Integrated Care Board to develop a new approach.