End of week summary

This week focused on how different sources of evidence and tools can be used to build a robust case for action, and have seen how this can be put into practice with the Gateshead case study. We have also considered how this type of action can be delivered as part of a broader whole systems approach to obesity.

Call to action

• Local authorities should develop ways to gather and visually present evidence of local healthier weight environments that is appropriate for planning, including local evidence where possible
• Local authorities and universities could develop a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the development of local research
• Public health and planning teams could jointly review the evidence in the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and local plan, to identify gaps and how they can be addressed
• Encourage the local authority head of planning to join the Health and Wellbeing Board to ensure a high level of involvement in writing the health and wellbeing strategy
• Local authorities should consider using a place based whole systems approach to promoting healthier weight environments, working across sectors to tackle complex health issues and embedding health in the work of all partners