The big issue: Obesity - the socio-economic impact of our bulging waistlines

The dinner-debate was very lively with a variety of opinions expressed on our nation’s attitude to food – both positive and negative – and the impact of obesity on our society and economy.  There were some extremely passionate ideas and issues raised and the evening was a great success. Many attendees were from food backgrounds, both nutrition/health-related and gastronomic, and were particularly animated discussing the sensitive balance that is required to tackle the root causes of obesity without lecturing or losing the joy of food.

The key note speaker, Prue Leith, drew on her experience as a restaurateur and champion of the School Food Trust to paint a compelling picture of a nation in danger of being in a nutritional crisis. She drew a comparison between British dining and the French approach to food, which tends to centre around sit-down meals where food is savoured in a sociable environment. Snacking is not a part of their culture, nor is eating on the move; both of which are prevalent in Britain and contribute to our comparatively higher obesity problem – a high proportion of British meals are eaten by hand and on the move, without interaction with fellow diners, and with so many distractions that the quality of the food is often not considered.  Indeed, Prue pointed out that most food that can be eaten ‘on the go’ tends to be unhealthy, high in saturated fats, salt and sugar.  There is a need for Britain to take food more seriously, to consider its nutritional values, but also to enjoy the simple pleasures of preparing food and sharing it with other people.

There was a particular focus on preventative action.  Many pre-school children start their first day at school already overweight.  More and more people are being categorised as ‘obese’, and from a young age.  Without changing attitudes, we risk an increasing strain on our health services, more children growing up with poor body image and low self-esteem.  This can impact their confidence, employment aspirations and, in extreme cases, ability to actively participate in society due to health complications.  We discussed the work that the government already does in this area, particularly through the Department of Health.  Many attendees felt that obesity should be on agendas across government, and particularly in the Department for Communities and Local Government – many felt that these issues are best tackled at a community level.

However, whilst government undeniably has a role to play, the Ideas Exchange does not exist to define it.  Instead, we ask ourselves: What role do we as individuals have in impacting change; what can we as residents and stakeholders do to ensure that attitudes change and action is taken at the most grassroots level?

The Big Idea

The overwhelming consensus was that there are three tenets to the solution: knowledge, understanding and sharing.  Everyone can benefit from knowing where their food comes from by experiencing it in a tangible way, such as visiting a farm as a child, or growing vegetables.  Understanding the nutritional value of food stems from this knowledge – understanding the difference between natural and artificial foods, and the difference between different food groups, and how to strike a healthy balance.  Sharing is what gels this knowledge and understanding together: preparing food for others, sharing a meal, and sharing our different cultural values of food.  A healthy attitude to food is arguably one of life’s greatest pleasures.

So the Big Idea this month is:

The creation of Community Kitchens across the country, inspiring people of all ages to learn about healthy food, to cook it, and to share it with other people.  

The focus would be on demonstrating that lifestyles can change; that healthy can be delicious; and that the cohesive benefits of sharing a meal with family and friends is worth making the effort in our increasingly TV-dinner culture.  

Could this be achieved?

Training For Life already runs two Community Kitchens in its Prospect Centres in Hackney and Southwark, tailoring engaging nutrition programmes that work with young mothers, children and young people, people on a budget, and older people. Training for Life embeds healthy living into all of its transformational programmes, believing that positive life change can only take place when we feel invigorated and healthy.  Creating similar schemes across the country would be an excellent way to bring together diverse communities, and address obesity in a positive, supportive community-led way.

It is amazing to see what can be achieved when limited resources are driven by social entrepreneurial passion and vision!