Maintaining a healthy weight is vital for overall wellbeing, and it plays a key role in preventing serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
In Slough, the challenge is particularly pressing, with around one in three adults living with obesity and nearly half of all Year 6 children above a healthy weight – one of the highest rates in the South East.
To address this, we recently held a Healthy Weight Summit, bringing together more than 60 representatives from local organisations, including schools, community groups, the voluntary sector, the council, and the NHS, to discuss ways to help people in Slough achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Following the summit, we are working with our partners to develop solutions. Key areas of focus include supporting children and young people, promoting physical activity and active travel, improving weight management services, and creating environments that make healthy eating more accessible.
Initial work has started to drive these priorities forward, with organisations across Slough committed to making real progress. By working together, we aim to create lasting changes that will help residents lead healthier lives.
Cllr Ishrat Shah, cabinet member for equalities, public health, and public protection, said: “One of the council’s three strategic priorities in our corporate plan is - a town where residents can live healthier, safer, and more independent lives. Part of that work is looking at health inequalities, and how we can work with our partners to really make a positive difference in our residents’ lives. This is just the beginning of a continuing project that will aim to improve the health of our residents across the borough, whatever their age.”
For more information on achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, visit: https://www.slough.gov.uk/public-health/healthy-weight.