Applying a whole systems approach in planning and responding to future trends

Throughout this course we have learnt that obesity is a complex issue, with many contributing factors, including the ‘obesogenic’ environment, which can lead to excess calorie consumption and physical inactivity. There is no one solution to tackle such a complex public health issue as obesity. Long-term, systemic approaches are required at a local and national level to promote healthy weight across the life course.

A whole systems approach to obesity epitomises a ‘Health in All Policies’ approach, drawing on local authorities’ strengths, supporting their key priorities and recognising that they can create their local approaches better and more effectively by engaging with their community and local assets. A whole systems approach enables different parts of the system to move forward together, maximising synergies and creating a more impactful approach.

National policy makers can provide a positive and strategic policy framework to ensure complementary local actions.

Local authorities have powers including planning that can be used to create food environments, where healthier food options are more readily available and accessible.

Planning decisions influence the design and use of the built environment and can therefore improve population health and targeting where specific actions are needed to address inequalities. Given the ways the environment can influence access to healthier food and drink options, local authority planners are a pivotal factor for change, working together with local authority public health and environmental health teams.

Actions to tackle obesity at a local level do not just benefit people’s health. They can have positive impacts on other local agendas including employability and productivity of local populations and could reduce the demand for social care.

A whole systems approach can help national and local systems respond to short term and future trends in the food environment. For example, national actions relating to planning guidance during the pandemic or changing industry practices in relation takeaway and food delivery. Planning and public health are in a unique position to shape the local impact of these practices, through planning for a healthier food environment.