The Great Weight Debate
A London Conversation on Childhood Obesity
Karina Paturel
The context: More obese children in London than in New York
London has the highest rate of childhood obesity of any peer global city, and the highest proportion
of obese children in all the regions of England. London has a childhood obesity emergency and we
need to act fast.
Obesity has a
substantial impact on
the health of
children – now and in
the future.
Estimated treatment
cost of overweight
children in London
will be £36-195m.
Obese children are
much more likely to
be obese adults,
where even more
serious health
consequences occur.
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Great Weight Debate - Objectives
The Great Weight Debate is a multi-stage conversation on childhood obesity which aims to engage
and involve Londoners in the health of their children, and to galvanise social action to tackle one of
the most pressing public health challenges facing London in recent years.
Key objectives of conversation
1. Raise awareness on London’s childhood obesity
and the environmental impact
2. Generate a conversation on childhood obesity
across London
3. Galvanize London for action
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Supporting engagement in local communities
HLP developed a suite of materials to support engagement and communications in local
communities available on newly launched GWD website. These were developed in collaboration
with borough obesity leads.
Resources include:
• How to run a Great Weight Debate hackathon
• How to hold a borough GWD
• Great Weight Debate survey – until 9th Dec
• Childhood obesity in London – statistics and key messages
• Template GWD powerpoint presentation for boroughs
• Videos – including school children and GWD panel participants
• Checklist for boroughs on how to take part in the GWD
• Posters
• Presentation slides
• Key messages
• Sugar guessing game
http://gethealthy.london/greatweightdebate
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London boroughs joining Great Weight Debate
London boroughs are joining the Great Weight Debate to engage their residents in the conversation
on childhood obesity and to galvanise action.
24 Boroughs participating
in the Great Weight Debate
thus far:
Barking & Dagenham
Barnet
Bexley
Brent
Harrow
Bromley
Camden
Islington
Croydon
Ealing
Greenwich
Hackney
Hammersmith
Fulham
Westminster
Haringey
Lambeth
Lewisham
Merton
Newham
Redbridge
Southwark
Tower Hamlets
Waltham Forest
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Launching GWD conversations across London
GWD boroughs promoting the GWD within their communities – increasing awareness and visibility.
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Strong media attention
Social media and local news used to promote the Great Weight Debate across London and
completion of the survey
18 October - 2 November, HLP published > 100 GWD tweets.
Top HLP/GWD tweet viewed > 4000 times!
Twitter: #GreatWeightDebate
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GWD Roadshows – October Half Term
Held GWD roadshow over half term to raise awareness on childhood obesity in London and
encourage participation in the GWD survey.
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•
•
Visited 8 boroughs:
Bexley, Haringey, Croydon, Lambeth, Southwark, Redbridge, Waltham Forest, Newham (QEOP)
Over 2000 visitors
Over 1800 survey responses
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Hackathon 28th January
HLP holding a youth GWD hackathon on Saturday 28th January with an opportunity for
boroughs to get involved.
Hackathon: event with fun and creative ideas where people from all backgrounds work
together to come up with innovative solutions for tackling a specific problem.
Hammersmith & Fulham recently held a Health & Fit
Hackathon with Horizons who will deliver the GWD
Youth hackathon at City Hall with GWD themes.
Opportunity:
Boroughs to participate in hackathon and recruit CYP (12-17yo)
representing their community for the event.
Confirm interest to Karina Paturel – [email protected]
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UPCOMING DATES
29 Nov – mid report (PHAST)
09 Dec – end date for GWD information
Survey ends
Evaluations submitted
January
20 Jan - Report completed
28 Jan – Youth hackathon
February
Pan-London event to review GWD recommendations and
champion action
Ongoing
GWD events
Ongoing engagement and media
GWD website and resources available
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