Background
Obesity is a complex publichealth challenge that affects the physical, mental and social wellbeing of individuals and families. In Havering, recent data from the Public Health England (PHE)MidYear Population Estimates show that the adult obesity prevalence sits above the national average, while a significant proportion of children are classified as overweight or obese. The boroughs Prevention of Obesity Strategy was commissioned in 2022 to address these trends through a coordinated, evidencebased approach that aligns with the national Obesity Strategy and the Healthy Local Authority framework.
The strategy recognises that obesity is influenced by a range of determinants, including diet, physical activity, socioeconomic status, built environment, and cultural factors. It therefore adopts a wholesystems perspective one that brings together health services, schools, workplaces, planners, community groups and residents to create a healthier Havering for all.
Key Objectives
Four overarching objectives guide the boroughs work:
- Reduce the prevalence of adult obesity by 5% by 2030.
- Halve the rate of childhood obesity by 2030, measured by the proportion of Reception children with a BMI95th percentile.
- Improve the food environment so that healthier choices become the easy, affordable, and default options.
- Increase opportunities for regular physical activity across all age groups, particularly in deprived areas.
Strategic Actions
1. FoodRelated Interventions
The borough will work with retailers, caterers and the planning department to:
- Limit the density of fastfood outlets near schools and residential areas.
- Promote the placement of fruit and vegetable displays at checkout points.
- Support the creation of "healthy corners" in neighbourhood supermarkets that stock affordable fresh produce.
- Implement a voluntary Havering Healthy Menu scheme for eating establishments, encouraging menu redesign to reduce portion size, added sugars, and saturated fats.
2. Physical Activity Promotion
Havering aims to make movement a natural part of daily life. Core actions include:
- Expanding the network of safe walking and cycling routes, especially along the Thames and River Beam corridors.
- Introducing Active Travel to School programmes that provide bikerental schemes and safe routes for pupils.
- Partnering with local sports clubs to offer free or subsidised sessions for families in the most deprived wards.
- Embedding short activity breaks into the daily routine of workplaces through the Move More at Work initiative.
3. Early Years & SchoolBased Programs
Early intervention is essential. The borough will:
- Implement the national Childhood Obesity Plan within all early years settings, providing training for staff on nutrition and activity.
- Introduce a compulsory nutrition curriculum for Reception to Year 6, aligned with the Eatwell Guide.
- Offer School Fruit & Veggie Clubs that engage pupils in growing, tasting, and preparing produce.
- Run annual Fit Kids challenges that reward wholeschool improvements in health behaviours.
4. Public Awareness & Behaviour Change
Changing perceptions and habits requires clear, consistent messaging:
- Launch a boroughwide Choose Health campaign that uses local ambassadors, social media, and community events.
- Provide practical tools such as portionsize guides, recipe booklets, and activity planners available both online and in council libraries.
- Integrate obesityprevention messaging into existing health services, e.g., diabetes clinics and maternity care pathways.
5. Policy & Planning Integration
All new developments will be assessed for their impact on health:
- Adopt the Health Impact Assessment (HIA) as a mandatory step for major planning applications.
- Require new residential projects to include communal green spaces and secure cycle storage.
- Encourage commercial landlords to provide water fountains and healthy vending options in workplaces.
Partnerships & Community Involvement
Successful implementation depends on strong collaborations:
- Health Services: NHS Havering and West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group will provide data insights and specialist support.
- Schools & Early Years Settings: The Havering Education Services Board will embed health curricula and coordinate schoolwide activities.
- Local Businesses: The Havering Chamber of Commerce will champion workplace wellness programmes.
- Community Groups: Organisations such as Havering Community Links, the Rotary Club, and faith groups will codesign and deliver grassroots events.
- Residents: A series of Health Hubs will be set up in libraries and community centres where people can discuss concerns, test BMI, and receive personalised advice.
The borough will hold quarterly stakeholder forums and an annual Havering Health Summit to review progress, share best practice and adjust the strategy as needed.
Monitoring & Evaluation
Robust measurement is central to accountability:
- Baseline Data: 2023 PHE obesity prevalence figures, school BMI screenings, and foodenvironment audits.
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- Adult obesity rate (percentage)
- Childhood obesity rate at Reception and Year 6
- Number of new active travel routes completed
- Proportion of food outlets meeting the Healthy Corner standards
- Participation rates in school and community programmes
- Data Sources: NHS Digital, School Health Surveys, Local Authority Food Environment Audits, and bespoke community surveys.
- Reporting: An annual Obesity Prevention Progress Report will be published on the council website, with dashboards accessible to the public.
- Review Cycle: Every two years the strategy will undergo a formal review, incorporating new evidence, stakeholder feedback, and any changes in national policy.
Resources & Further Reading
- UK Government Obesity Strategy (2021)
- Childhood Obesity Prevention NHS
- London Health Commission Obesity Prevention
- WHO Fact Sheet Obesity and Overweight
- Local Healthy Eating Guide downloadable PDF (link to council site)
- Active Havering map of walking and cycling routes (interactive)
For more information, contact the Public Health Department or visit the Havering Council website.
