Spotlight on healthy weight factors

COMMUNITY planning leaders across Dumfries and Galloway are calling for a shift in how healthy weight is discussed and addressed. A detailed presentation and workshop took place at the last Community Planning Partnership Board, which highlighted how factors such as poverty, access to affordable food, transport and the design of local places influence people’s ability to maintain a healthy weight. It was noted that levels of overweight and obesity remain a significant challenge locally, with clear links to deprivation and wider inequality. Members agreed that long-term progress will depend on changing the environments that shape people’s health; and that focusing solely on personal responsibility will not be enough to bring about lasting change. Director of public health Valerie White said: “We need to shift the narrative away from this being about individual responsibility and recognise the wider environment people are living in. If we are serious about improving outcomes, we need to focus on the environment that shapes people’s choices - not just on individuals.” Other discussions focused on how cost-of-living pressures, advertising and the impact of rurality all affect people’s ability to maintain a healthy weight along, with acknowledging that access to healthy and affordable food options can vary widely across communities. There was broad agreement that tackling the issue requires coordinated action across planning, education, transport, food provision and community services. Board co-chair Mark Cook said: “A whole-system approach will be needed to support healthier outcomes over the long term, particularly linked to ongoing partner work around poverty, physical activity and prevention.” The Community Planning Partnership brings together Dumfries and Galloway Council, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the Third sector and other public-sector partners.