'Shocking' level of childhood obesity in Cornwall

The director of public health in Cornwall has said data revealing the level of childhood obesity in the Duchy is "shocking".

Rachel Wigglesworth revealed that one in five children aged ten to 11 in the county are classed as obese according to a national report. The figure was announced during a discussion about public health interventions to support health outcomes for children and young people at a meeting of Cornwall Council's children and families committee on Wednesday, July 12.

Councillors heard that the socio-economic impacts on the health of children living in poverty in Cornwall is among the worst in local authorities across the South West, which includes counties as far as Dorset, Wiltshire, and Gloucestershire.

The England average for children (aged under 16) in "absolute low income" families whose health was affected by economic and social problems during 2021/22 was 15.3%. Bristol was the highest among local authorities in the South West while Cornwall is second worst with 16.9% and we are the worst in the whole region for children in "relative low income" families with 21.9%, the English average being 19.9%.

Ms Wigglesworth said: "Clearly for children living in absolute low income families, which is proxy for poverty, we have a higher rate in England and that's increased. Not a good situation to be in and we know some of the drivers."

She revealed that one in ten children at reception class age in Cornwall (aged four to five) are obese. The national average is 10.1% with Cornwall standing at 9.6%. The figure increases to one in five (20.7%) of Year 6 children (aged ten to 11).

"While you look at the English average [for Year 6] we are lower than 23.4%. Do you think that's a good outcome because I think it's quite shocking."

The director of public health in Cornwall pointed out many of the interventions, which are taking place to alleviate the problem – some of which are listed at the bottom of the story – but said she would welcome more legislative frameworks such as regulation of sugary drinks, high fat and sugar products, and the food environment when families go shopping.

"Treating obesity is one way but is not the most effective way and we have limited tools. It's a real challenge," added Ms Wigglesworth. "What I'm trying to raise today is that there are other parts of society which drive bad health. If we can do more around prevention that should be a priority."

Cllr Pat Rogerson (Liberal Democrats, Bodmin St Mary's and St Leonard) agreed that the obesity figures were indeed shocking.

Cllr Kate Ewert (Labour, Rame Peninsula and St Germans) said: "I often see, especially around half-term, the healthy action events which are great. They are often advertised across rural communities but are offered in urban communities. When we have some of our poorest children living in our rural communities that means they're inaccessible. We don't have the bus links anymore to be able to get these kids to these events and parents can't afford to take their kids to the events. What can we do as a council to level that playing field?"

Ms Wigglesworth said there were great efforts to cover all areas of Cornwall at the holiday events. There were plans for shared transport and she would talk to Active Cornwall, which organises the events, about provision.

Cllr Shorne Tilbey (Conservative, Stratton, Kilkhampton and Morwenstow) asked if there was any area within the school curriculum to promote healthy living, particularly towards tackling obesity. He was told it was taught across the curriculum in personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education.

Cllr Mike Bunney (Mebyon Kernow/Green Group, St Mewan and Grampound) said that as someone who taught for 21 years, he knew it was at the heart of the curriculum, but parents and families had to take responsibility too.

He said: "Schools are doing absolutely masses and so are social workers, family support workers and health workers. In terms of responsibility of the public sector, I think we have made huge progress in terms of emphasising health and wellbeing at the heart of the curriculum and interventions.

"The key thing is family, parent and carer responsibility and our public sector role is to support those families to take responsibilities and set examples because ultimately schools only have them for seven hours a day for 39 weeks of the year. It does come down to families and carers ultimately."

Cllr Tilbey added: "Half the problem with the society we've got is that parents need educating."

Current service provision and interventions by Cornwall Council to tackle childhood obesity

National Child Measurement Programme: This measures the height and weight of children in Reception and Year 6 in England. The data is used to monitor the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity and identify trends informing public health action.

All parents of participating children are given feedback on their child's weight status and an offer of advice and support on healthy eating and physical activity. For 2022-24 Healthy Cornwall has secured funding to deliver a proactive telephone call to parents of children identified as obese to offer them personalised advice and referral into local healthier weight support.

Healthy Cornwall health improvement activity: Healthy Cornwall provides a range of health improvement activities aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing health inequalities. This includes:

Ready Steady Eat introduction to solids education programme: This supports parents and carers with introducing solid foods to their babies, promoting healthy eating habits from an early age. By promoting healthy eating habits, this programme can help to reduce the risk of childhood obesity and promote good dental health.

Bitesize healthy families digital programme: This supports parents and carers to make healthy lifestyle changes as a family. By promoting sustainable healthy habits and positive parental feeding practices, this programme can help families to achieve and maintain a healthier weight.

Tier 1 kids activity club: Healthy Cornwall are working with local physical activity providers to offer free community-based physical activities for children aged five to 12. This programme is open to all children living in areas of Cornwall where inequalities mean children are more at risk of sedentary behaviours and overweight and obesity.

Tier 2 children's weight management: Public Health has commissioned DDM Health to work closely with Healthy Cornwall to lead the development and pilot delivery of a new evidence-informed Tier 2 lifestyle weight management programme for children aged give to 12 informed by community engagement. A pilot of the new programme will be delivered in January 2024 and the new offer will be integrated into the children's weight management pathways offered across Cornwall.

Consultation with Young People: Public Health has commissioned Play: Disrupt to deliver a consultation to understand young people's (13 to 18 years old) views about healthy eating, weight and body image and to understand what would support young people to achieve or maintain a healthier weight. This local research will help shape healthier weight interventions and will inform the development of a healthier weight pathway for young people in Cornwall.

Healthy Weight Strategic Approach: A refreshed healthy weight strategic approach for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly is being developed to support all residents to reach and maintain a healthier weight. This strategy will take a whole systems approach recognising that obesity is complex and requires coordinated action across a broad range of disciplines. This strategy will be compassionate and will actively challenge weight stigma creating environments that support people to be healthy.