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.

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 Raise awareness on London’s childhood obesity and the environmental impact Generate a conversation on childhood obesity across London 3. Galvanize London for action

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 5

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 6

Launching GWD conversations across London GWD boroughs promoting the GWD within their communities – increasing awareness and visibility. 7

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 8

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. Visited 8 boroughs: Bexley, Haringey, Croydon, Lambeth, Southwark, Redbridge, Waltham Forest, Newham (QEOP) Over 2000 visitors Over 1800 survey responses 9

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 – greatweightdebate@gethealthy.london 10

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 11