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We Asked
Barnet Public Health recently released a public survey in
order to gain an insight into the public perceptions of healthy weight;
including how to maintain a healthy weight, whose responsibility this is, and
any challenges that may be faced in attempting to do so. We heard from 143
respondents, whose answers influenced the creation of our new, recently
launched, Healthy Weight Care Pathway.
You Said
We heard from 143 respondents, whose answers influenced the
creation of our new, recently launched, Healthy Weight Care Pathway.
Many respondents emphasised the role mental health and wellbeing
played in not only becoming a healthy weight, but maintaining it also. While
only 2 of the respondents identified themselves as having a recognised
substantial mental health condition, many spoke of the struggles that
depression, anxiety, and stress can bring. Highlighting the substantively
detrimental impact they can have on one’s ability to maintain a healthy weight
through eating habits, and creating a climate of torpor and reduced physical
activity levels.
Additionally, many of the respondents to the survey spoke of
the need for food security, something they confessed to struggling with, both
historically and currently. Approximately 10% of respondents admitted that they
could not afford to prioritise the nutritious content of their food, while almost
15% said they had cut the size of their meals, or skipped meals due to there
being insufficient money for food.
Moreover, when asked how they could best be supported to
lead a healthier life, close to 30% of respondents asserted that they would
benefit from developing a greater awareness of it meant to maintain a healthy
weight, and an education of how best to do so.
We Did
The findings of this survey have played a major role in the
recent review of our Healthy Weight Care Pathway, which will look to improve
the provision and delivery of weight management services within the borough.