City leaders focus on healthy weight solutions

Leaders from health, education, transport, and community organisations recently gathered to launch the Director of Public Health’s Annual Report.

At the event, partners agreed that urgent, coordinated action is needed to make healthy choices the easy choices for everyone, regardless of income or postcode.

Reports show that maintaining a healthy weight remains a challenge, especially for adults. Around one in three children finish primary school overweight, and in Brighton & Hove only 43% of adults are at a healthy weight.

Healthy, affordable and accessible

Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities, Public Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Healthy weight is not just about individual choices - it’s about creating an environment where the healthy choice is both accessible and easy. Recent figures highlight the urgent need for action to prevent long-term health problems and improve wellbeing across the city.

“Brighton & Hove has a strong track record of commitment in bringing about change and together we can make a real difference. We have the know-how, the dedication and the community energy to transform the local food landscape. From school gardens to affordable food schemes, the opportunities are here and are growing.

“Together we are creating an 'edible Brighton & Hove' that will see our future food opportunities as healthy, affordable and accessible for each and every resident.”

Finding solutions

Partners discussed a range of options from expanding school food programmes and gardens to teach children cooking and growing skills, to supporting families with affordable options.

Evidence shows that children who learn to grow and cook food are more likely to eat healthily and waste less.

Other ideas to support local residents to be eat well and be active included using council-owned spaces to promote healthy eating and restricting junk food adverts.

Brighton & Hove is building on its reputation as one of the first Sugar Smart cities by introducing new restrictions on high fat, salt, and sugar advertising.

Get involved

Panellists Ali Ghanimi, from Brighton & Hove Food Partnership, Councillor Mohammed Asaduzzaman, Lead councillor and ambassador for Small Business in Brighton & Hove, and Cheynne Plant, Senior Project Manager for the council's National Bus Strategy Programme, discussed how small businesses could add healthier menu choices and support schemes like Healthy Choice Awards.

Partners stressed that even small changes, such as adding one or two nutritious options, can make a big difference.

Residents and businesses are invited to join the movement to make Brighton & Hove a healthier city. To find out more, visit the council’s website.