Tackling Obesity in England - National Audit Office

TACKLING OBESITY IN ENGLAND2The ways in which the public sector influences the prevalence of obesityIndicates influences onpolicy towards obesityDepartment of Health with responsibilities for public health and ensuring that appropriate treatments are availableand provided1999 Our Healthier Nation specifies priority health areas for which obesity is a significantrisk factor2000 National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease sets national standards anddefines service models2000 NHS Plan reflects priorities for disease prevention and reducing health inequalities2000 Cancer Plan includes action on dietINPUT FROMLocal Authorities& Social ServicesPrimary Care Groups(Primary Care Trustswhen established)Local agenciesand communitiesRegional Offices of the NHS Executive with overview of local public health planning andresponsibility for monitoring performance in the NHSHealth Authorities have the strategic lead for Health Improvement Programmesincluding action on obesityNHS TrustsOBESITYOTHER GOVERNMENTDEPARTMENTS WITHPOLICIES THAT CANINFLUENCE THEPREVALENCE OF OBESITYAGENCIES WHOSEROLES IMPACT ONHEALTHIER LIVINGDepartment for Culture,Media and SportDepartment for Educationand EmploymentDepartment of theEnvironment, Transport andthe RegionsMinistry of Agriculture,Fisheries and FoodFood Standards AgencyHealth Development AgencyHighways AgencySport England andthe Sports Councils8part one1.6 In 1999, the Department introduced a new cross-Government strategy, 'Saving Lives: Our HealthierNation' 5 , superseding 'Health of the Nation'. Thisfocused on four main priority areas of ill health andpremature death, including coronary heart disease andcancer. There are no specific objectives or targets in thenew strategy to reduce or limit the increase in theprevalence of obesity. The strategy does, however,recognise obesity as an important risk factor forcoronary heart disease and for some cancers. Theapproach is to address risk factors such as obesity byencouraging healthy living patterns, such as healthyeating and regular physical activity, which are key to theprevention of coronary heart disease and some cancers.1.7 In 2000, the 'National Service Framework for CoronaryHeart Disease' was published 6 . This document setsnational standards and defines service models for theprevention and treatment of coronary heart disease. Earlymilestones include the delivery of local programmes ofeffective policies on reducing overweight and obesity,promoting healthy eating and increasing physicalactivity. The 'NHS Plan: A Plan For Investment. A Plan forReform', also published in 2000 7 , further highlights theimportance of diet and nutrition to improve health andreduce health inequalities. The commitment is that by2004, there will be local action to tackle obesity andphysical inactivity, informed by advice from the HealthDevelopment Agency on what works.