Bradford Council Gathers Data on Children’s Eating Habits to Tackle Obesity Issue
Bradford Council is taking steps to address the concerning rate of childhood obesity in the city, where one in three children are overweight or obese by the time they finish primary school.
Tim Howells, head of public health at Bradford Council, emphasized the importance of understanding children’s eating habits, citing a lack of available data in this area.
Highlighting a connection between inequality, deprivation, and obesity in Bradford, Howells stressed the need for informed decision-making to combat the issue.
The findings from the ongoing Bradford Children’s Food Survey will play a crucial role in shaping strategies aimed at reducing obesity. The survey results will guide both the council’s public health team and schools in their efforts.
According to Howells, there is a noticeable lack of data, especially concerning first and second-generation migrants, making it challenging to address their specific needs.
Estimates suggest that approximately one in five children entering reception are already overweight or obese, with this figure rising to one in three by the time they leave primary school.
A report from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) highlighted the significant barriers faced by people in deprived areas when trying to access affordable, healthy food.
Howells pointed out that healthy food tends to be more expensive, leading people, especially during times of economic strain, to opt for cheaper but less healthy alternatives.
He noted the prevalence of unhealthy takeaway outlets, referred to as “food swamps,” and the scarcity of healthy options, known as “food deserts,” particularly in urban, deprived areas like Manningham in Bradford.
To improve diets in Bradford, Howells suggested three measures:
Incentivizing behavior changes by providing vouchers for purchasing healthy food.
Supporting takeaway providers over a three-year period to encourage healthier eating practices, as demonstrated by a pilot program involving 10 takeaways.
Implementing marketing policies to limit the advertising of foods high in sugar and fat, similar to initiatives undertaken by other councils.
While these measures aim to promote healthier choices, they also raise questions about the balance between public health interventions and individual freedom of choice.
Bradford Council continues to conduct the survey, with a particular focus on gathering data from families with South Asian heritage, an area where information is currently lacking.
The study targets a representative group of children aged three to 11, living in Bradford. Parents are asked to complete four food diaries online on behalf of their children, with each participant receiving a £15 voucher as an incentive for their participation.
