In the East Midlands 68% of men and 59% of women are overweight, including those who are obese (Statistics on Obesity, Physical Activity & Diet 2008). This is higher than the national averages of 67.1% and 56% respectively. The National Childhood Measurement Programme (NCMP) shows that 9.1% of Reception Year children and 17.9% of Year 6 children in the region are obese (08/09 School Year). Trends show that levels of overweight and obesity are increasing.
The evidence base for the prevention of obesity is less well developed than other public health challenges. Obesity commissioning and service provision varies greatly across the region. Primary care trusts are at different stages of commissioning obesity services, with some commissioning a care pathway, whilst others are commissioning services on a historical basis. Audits of PCT commissioners and service providers show that not all services provided are based on evidence or are involved in adequate ongoing evaluation and audit.
Regionally we are aiming to increase the proportion of weight management services (from 50% to 90% over a three year period)) using the essential criteria of the Standard Evaluation Framework (SEF) developed by the National Obesity Observatory (NOO).
