Obesity learning events

To help address learning needs identified following the childhood obesity review the Academy of Public Health in partnership with ADPH London commissioned Improving Performance in Practice (iPiP) to deliver a series of learning events on childhood obesity throughout London.

The events covered the following themes:

- Introduction to systems thinking and framing the childhood obesity issue to make it 'everyone’s business'
- Understanding and working with cultural insights and social norms across different ethnic communities
- Adapting the environment to encourage and enable increased physical activity
- Enabling a healthier food offer with good business at a local level

Using a place based approach the Academy and its partners bought together people impacting various parts of the public health system within their locality. Accessing networks, expertise and varied perspectives. The Academy and its partners translated national tools and theory/concepts of whole systems working into practice. The events were very positively evaluated.

Following evaluation of the London obesity learning exchanges a bespoke approach for Kent, Surrey and Sussex was identified.

From February to April 2018 there were a series of five learning exchanges across Kent, Surrey and Sussex (KSS). Taking learning from the London events these aimed to encourage and support system working.

Key themes for Kent, Surrey and Sussex Obesity Learning Events:

1. The theory and practice of whole systems thinking and the leadership challenges and approaches for effective system-wide action
2. Understanding attitudinal challenges: cultural beliefs around weight across different communities and generations i.e. the ‘normalisation’ of unhealthy weight across society
3. Healthy catering
4. Physical activity and built/rural environment
5. Measuring impact