What needs to be done and why?
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Issue number 1 = highest priority |
What needs to be done? |
Why? |
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1 |
Address the link between socioeconomic disadvantage and high prevalence of obesity and overweight in Hartlepool. Provide education to address the knowledge inconsistencies on nutritious food availability and cooking skills. Provide more affordable access to healthy food and affordable access to leisure facilities with opening hours that are inclusive to full-time employees. Promotion and advertisement of Council facilities such as the Highlight Health Hub and community facilities such as Join the Movement to improve physical activity. Learning and resources to be shared with stakeholders alongside the Health Weight Action Plan 2024/25. |
Lower socioeconomic status is strongly linked to higher obesity risk across the life course. Hartlepool’s adult obesity and overweight rates are among the worst in England, reflecting long-term socioeconomic disadvantage. Addressing social determinants of health (education, income, housing, and access to services) is essential to reduce obesity prevalence. Residents expressed a need for education about health food and learning how to cook, more affordable healthy food, affordable leisure facilities and opening hours that suit people who work full time through the Big Conversation. |
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2 |
Address the widening inequalities and disparities in childhood obesity prevalence in Hartlepool. Provide early intervention, particularly in the most deprived wards to prevent long-term health consequences and reduce inequalities. Develop targeted support for young adults, especially during life transitions. Promotion and advertisement of Council facilities and community facilities such as Join the Movement to improve physical activity. Learning and resources to be shared with stakeholders alongside the Health Weight Action Plan 2024/25. |
Obesity prevalence increases significantly between ages 5–11, especially among children from low-income families. Hartlepool’s Reception and Year 6 obesity rates are consistently higher than national averages, with severe obesity peaking in recent years. Obesity prevalence increases significantly between ages 5–11, especially among children from low-income families. Hartlepool’s Reception and Year 6 obesity rates are consistently higher than national averages, with severe obesity peaking in recent years. Adults aged 18–24 are 4–6 times more likely to move into a higher BMI category, yet are often overlooked in obesity strategies. Hartlepool’s adult obesity trends show rapid increases, especially in younger age groups. Providing education and targeted support earlier will encourage healthier choices through life transition stages. Big Conversation respondents have suggested teaching the younger generation to cook and make healthier food choices. Promotion and advertisement of Join the Movement will encourage physical activity in all age groups. |
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3 |
Improving physical activity levels and access to healthy food choices. Improve access to healthy food, safe spaces for exercise, and community-based physical activity programmes. Provide information and education to those at high risk to improve health literacy by investing in education and awareness campaigns, especially in communities where residents have minimal qualifications and reduced health literacy. Ensure interventions are tailored and inclusive and meet the needs of vulnerable populations. The development of the new Highlight Health Hub presents an opportunity for a local service to provide this support to residents. Support family-based interventions and early years parenting programmes to break the cycle of obesity. Include advice and guidance on family behaviours (such as maternal smoking, early weaning, low breastfeeding) which contribute to childhood obesity. Promotion and advertisement of Council facilities such as the Highlight Health Hub and community facilities such as Join the Movement to improve physical activity. Learning and resources to be shared with stakeholders alongside the Health Weight Action Plan 2024/25. |
Adult physical activity levels are below national averages, and inactivity is high. Fruit and vegetable consumption is low, and fast-food outlet density is high. Adults with lower educational attainment are at greatest risk of obesity. Hartlepool’s population shows low levels of health literacy, contributing to poor diet and activity behaviours. Residents responded to the Big Conversation with concerns that there are a lot of takeaways in the Borough which are often cheaper than cooking at home, residents suggested providing education on food preparation and budgeting. Residents asked for a wider range of leisure activities to be available in the Borough.
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