Diet and obesity

Although body weight and weight gain are influenced by many factors, including people's genetic makeup and the environment in which they live, the individual decisions people make also affect whether they maintain a healthy weight.

A person needs to be in 'energy balance' to maintain a healthy weight – that is, their energy intake (from food) should not exceed the energy expended through everyday activities and exercise.

People tend to gain weight gradually, and may not notice this happening. Many people accept weight gain with age as inevitable but the main cause is gradual changes in their everyday lives, such as a tendency to being less active, or small changes to diet. People also often gain weight during particular stages of their life, such as during and after pregnancy, the menopause or while stopping smoking.

Small, sustained improvements to daily habits help people maintain a healthy weight and have wider health benefits – such as reducing the risk of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. But making changes can be difficult and is often hindered by conflicting advice on what changes to make.

Women and children from disadvantaged groups

Women from disadvantaged groups have a poorer diet and are less likely to take folic acid or other supplements than those who are better off. They are more likely to be overweight or show low weight gain during pregnancy and their babies are more likely to have a low birth weight.

Mothers from these groups are also less likely to breastfeed and more likely to introduce solid foods earlier than recommended. As a result of many of these factors, their children are more likely to be underweight as infants while also being more prone to obesity later in childhood.

Cardiovascular disease: a national framework for action

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major public health problem. Changes in the risk factors can be brought about by intervening at the population and individual level. Government has addressed – and continues to address – the risk factors at both levels.

Interventions focused on changing an individual's behaviour are important. But changes at the population level could lead to further substantial benefits.
Population-level changes may be achieved in a number of ways but national or regional policy and legislation are particularly powerful levers.

The national framework would be established through policy, led by the Department of Health. It would involve government, government agencies, industry and key, non-governmental organisations working together.

The final decision on whether these policy options are adopted – and how they are prioritised – will be determined by government through normal political processes.

Local authorities and their partners in the community

Concerns about safety, transport links and services have a huge impact on people's ability to eat healthily and be physically active. Effective interventions often require multidisciplinary teams and the support of a range of organisations.

Schools

Improving diet and physical activity levels helps children develop a healthy lifestyle that will prevent them becoming overweight or obese in adulthood. Other benefits may include higher motivation and achievement at school, and better health in childhood and later life.

Workplaces

An organisation's policies and incentive schemes can help to create a culture that supports healthy eating and physical activity. Action will have an impact, not only on the health of the workforce but also in savings to industry.