Battle of the bulge: Redbridge Council signs sugar declaration after being named third fattest London borough
Lots of people in Redbridge are battling the bulge. Picture: Press Association - Credit: PA
Redbridge became the third London borough to sign the declaration on sugar and healthy food after it was revealed two out of five 10 to 11-year-olds were considered overweight or obese.
Through the agreement the local authority hopes to reduce the amount of sugar consumed and promote the consumption of healthier food in outlets under the council’s control or influence.
The picture does not fare much better for adults and 66.7per cent of residents are considered to carry excess weight.
This figure, both numerically and literally, puts Redbridge in the top three fattest London boroughs.
The percentage of residents eating the recommended five a day (fruit and vegetables) is also lower than the London average.
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In addition, almost one in four (23.7pc) five-year-olds in Redbridge have dental decay.
As part of the healthy food promise, the council has committed to take action across six key areas including delivering healthier public events, reducing the prominence of sugary drinks, and raising public awareness of the benefits of healthier eating.
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Signing the declaration will enable Redbridge Council to publicly state the ambition to create a healthier food environment and outline actions it will take.
Councillor Mark Santos, cabinet member for health, said: “We have an important role to play in promoting healthy eating and sugar reduction, given our responsibilities for public health, planning, environmental health, leisure, and recreation.
“We will continue to work with our partners to ensure that those working in the community have the necessary knowledge and skills to discuss healthy eating with our residents.”
A council spokesman said that reducing obesity in the borough was a priority.
“We are aware of the adverse health impacts that arise from a poor diet.
“Like many places, unhealthy food and drink is widely available and often located near schools and in areas of high deprivation.
“Work has already been taken forward to develop a local strategy and to provide residents with the knowledge, skills and opportunities to eat healthily. This plan also includes action on creating an environment that makes it easier for people to make healthy choices.”
