Obesity workshop explores French initiative

The Public Health Agency (PHA) recently hosted an obesity prevention workshop ‘together let’s prevent childhood obesity’ in Lough Neagh Discovery Centre. The focus of discussions included the French initiative, EPODE – Ensemble Prevenons l’Obesite des enfants’, which has a proven track record of successfully tackling childhood obesity.

The EPODE success is a result of a coordinated approach that involves everyone who can have an impact on a child’s health, from those working in national and local government through to the parent cooking a meal for their family. The EPODE initiative currently extends to 293 European towns. 226 in France, 38 in Spain, 16 in Belgium, 13 in Greece and involves over 4 million inhabitants. In towns and cities across Europe whole communities have worked together to encourage children to enjoy healthy, nutritious foods, active play and recreation.

Minister for Health Michael McGimpsey said: “Tackling Northern Ireland’s obesity problem continues to be of paramount importance to my Department. We need to change the habits being passed from one generation to another, to promote and support healthy lifestyle choices by individuals from a young age and provide support to those who opted to change their existing lifestyle for a healthier one.

“The new Obesity Prevention Framework which will be going out for public consultation shortly will address obesity through collaboration with other Government Departments and key stakeholders with shared targets and a long term strategy. The Public Health Agency which I established in April last year will be instrumental in taking this forward. The Agency’s key strength is that it is uniquely placed to co-ordinate and deliver health improvement in Northern Ireland.”

Worldwide, the numbers of those affected by obesity continue to rise at an alarming rate, particularly among children. Angela McComb, Lead for Obesity at the PHA, said: “Obesity in Northern Ireland is a real concern. All children have their height and weight recorded before starting school and more recently BMI (body mass index) measurements are also being taken among year 8 and 9 pupils at school (age 11-13 years).

"Recent figures show almost 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 5 boys are either overweight or obese when starting primary school. Vital action needs to be taken so the current generation does not outlive the next. The EPODE project is a model that has proven to be effective in addressing the issue of obesity as is reflected by the fact that in eight EPODE towns the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity decreased significantly.” ¹'²

Dr Carolyn Harper, Director of Public Health for the PHA, said “The PHA, along with a range of organisations, has been involved for several years in working to reduce the levels of obesity. The PHA recognises this excellent local practice, and welcomes the opportunity to consider different approaches and what we might learn from experiences elsewhere.”

Nutrition and physical activity play a key role in weight management whatever our age. Poor nutrition during the early years is associated with an increased risk of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Childhood obesity can have emotional as well as physical effects as children who are overweight or obese may suffer from low self esteem, poor body image and often find themselves a target for taunting by peers and others.

The EPODE project has reduced childhood obesity using an approach that involves the entire community. In practical terms, this includes healthy breakfasts, the development of sports facilities and playgrounds, nutrition education in schools, encouraging participation in organised games at playtime and after school, and offering cooking workshops to families. Weight and height data from primary children is recorded annually and those identified as being ‘at risk’ are given advice through personalised family coaching.

Christophe Roy, coordinator of the EPODE European Network (EEN) said: “EPODE works thanks to a multi stakeholder long term engagement at national level, but above all, thanks to a daily and consistent engagement of local authorities and local people involved in the development of healthier environments where families live.”

Angela McComb concluded : “We are delighted to have so many sectors represented here today. This has been a stimulating event, which highlights the importance and benefits of coordinated working at all levels and is a further step to ensuring that parents don’t outlive their children.”

For further information on physical activity and nutrition visit www.getalifegetacitve.com and www.enjoyhealthyeating,info