A draft Tayside Child Healthy Weight Strategy has been prepared by a working group on behalf of the Tayside Regional Improvement Collaborative. It sets out the joint vision for a Tayside where children, young people and families can eat well, drink well, be active and have a healthy weight. It is also informed by views and comments from the people of Tayside.
Whilst COVID-19 has delayed completion of the Strategy, the interruption has provided a unique opportunity to re-examine its content and make sure it is fit for purpose. Work on children healthy weight may seem immaterial at a time when more and more people are worried about their ability to access and pay for food. However, childhood obesity is a major public health issue that is largely about access to nutritious food. Children must be able to get the food they need to thrive and secure the best possible physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
Since COVID-19, we have witnessed many organisations across Tayside adapt their operations to meet the increasing food emergency that has emerged. However, what remains constant is the variation in the ability of families across Tayside to access nutritious food. There is a risk that nutrition-related inequality could worsen as a result of the pandemic and, breaking the link between income and diet through fundamental changes in the role that food plays in the spaces occupied by children feels more urgent than ever.
The issue of child healthy weight is more important now than ever and so we are taking this opportunity to hear your views about the draft Strategy through an online consultation. You can access the survey in the link below.
