We focus on four complex health issues more prevalent in urban areas
With the Social Progress Imperative, we've developed the first neighbourhood level, health-focused social progress index of its kind.
With Wellcome Trust
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Children's health and food
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Our new report argues that framing obesity as an issue of individual willpower overlooks the overwhelming evidence from behavioural science on how environments – both social and physical – influence people’s decision-making.
‘Bite Size: Breaking down the challenge of inner-city childhood obesity‘ was developed in partnership with the Behavioural Insights Team. It takes a detailed look at how the ‘obesogenic’ inner-city environment promotes unhealthy options.
Experts, including Shirley Cramer from the Royal Society for Public Health and chef and campaigner Jamie Oliver, have contributed to the report.
“ Childhood obesity is the health epidemic of our time. The report shows that obesity is not caused by parents and kids lacking in willpower. It’s actually our high streets, schools and shared public environments that are having a truly negative impact on kids' health. Time is not on our side and this young generation needs to be healthy and happy in order to build the foundation of a strong and stable nation. Jamie Oliver Chef and long-time campaigner
Childhood obesity is the health epidemic of our time. The report shows that obesity is not caused by parents and kids lacking in willpower. It’s actually our high streets, schools and shared public environments that are having a truly negative impact on kids' health. Time is not on our side and this young generation needs to be healthy and happy in order to build the foundation of a strong and stable nation.
The report highlights that:
Despite increasing rates of childhood obesity across the developed world, progress is possible if efforts are focused on breaking the link between deprivation and obesity, particularly in inner-cities.
“ In the UK, one in 10 children start school obese. That’s enough to fill London’s Olympic Stadium four times over, and entirely unacceptable. To tackle childhood obesity, we need to be clear on three things. First, that its effects are disproportionately centred on poorer families. Second, that it is as much a problem of environments as it is of willpower. And finally, although the issue is complex, the solutions do not have to be. Kieron Boyle Chief Executive
In the UK, one in 10 children start school obese. That’s enough to fill London’s Olympic Stadium four times over, and entirely unacceptable. To tackle childhood obesity, we need to be clear on three things. First, that its effects are disproportionately centred on poorer families. Second, that it is as much a problem of environments as it is of willpower. And finally, although the issue is complex, the solutions do not have to be.
The report reflects experiences from projects on the ground as well as families. It features contributions from the Greater London Authority, Public Health England, Jamie Oliver Food Foundation, Alexandra Rose Charity, the Amsterdam Programme, and other experts in nutrition and public health.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has also added his voice to the launch of the report.
“ The findings clearly show that we need to address the link between inequality and poor health. I want all young Londoners to be able to lead happy, healthy lives. That's why I’m setting up a new Child Obesity Taskforce, with the support of partners including Impact on Urban Health. I am looking for the very best individuals from across the city to lead the way, with a proven track record of bringing together those who can help tackle this problem. We need to improve the health and life chances of our young people – regardless of their economic background, their ethnicity or where in the capital they live. Sadiq Khan Mayor of London
The findings clearly show that we need to address the link between inequality and poor health. I want all young Londoners to be able to lead happy, healthy lives. That's why I’m setting up a new Child Obesity Taskforce, with the support of partners including Impact on Urban Health. I am looking for the very best individuals from across the city to lead the way, with a proven track record of bringing together those who can help tackle this problem. We need to improve the health and life chances of our young people – regardless of their economic background, their ethnicity or where in the capital they live.
Breaking down the challenge of inner-city childhood obesity
In the first half of our ten-year programme, we have learned so much about how to effectively talk about this work to improve children’s health and diets. To reflect this, we have decided to change the childhood obesity programme’s name.
How we're working to bring the rates of childhood obesity down in neighbourhoods with the lowest incomes to the level of those in more affluent areas.
Ten ambitions for London to give every child nutritious food options, plenty of water to drink, and opportunities to run and play.
We want to break the link between low income and poor nutrition, by improving the quality of food options in lower-income neighbourhoods.