We Asked, You Said, We Did

We Asked

Barnet Public Health recently released a public survey in order to gain an insight into the public perceptions of healthy weight; including how to maintain a healthy weight, whose responsibility this is, and any challenges that may be faced in attempting to do so. We heard from 143 respondents, whose answers influenced the creation of our new, recently launched, Healthy Weight Care Pathway.

You Said

We heard from 143 respondents, whose answers influenced the creation of our new, recently launched, Healthy Weight Care Pathway.

Many respondents emphasised the role mental health and wellbeing played in not only becoming a healthy weight, but maintaining it also. While only 2 of the respondents identified themselves as having a recognised substantial mental health condition, many spoke of the struggles that depression, anxiety, and stress can bring. Highlighting the substantively detrimental impact they can have on one’s ability to maintain a healthy weight through eating habits, and creating a climate of torpor and reduced physical activity levels.

Additionally, many of the respondents to the survey spoke of the need for food security, something they confessed to struggling with, both historically and currently. Approximately 10% of respondents admitted that they could not afford to prioritise the nutritious content of their food, while almost 15% said they had cut the size of their meals, or skipped meals due to there being insufficient money for food.

Moreover, when asked how they could best be supported to lead a healthier life, close to 30% of respondents asserted that they would benefit from developing a greater awareness of it meant to maintain a healthy weight, and an education of how best to do so.

We Did

The findings of this survey have played a major role in the recent review of our Healthy Weight Care Pathway, which will look to improve the provision and delivery of weight management services within the borough.