Tackling Obesity Is A Long-Term Challenge - The King's Fund, UK

Commenting on today's publication of the Health Profile of England 2008 by the Department of Health, The King's Fund's Research Fellow in public health Dr Tammy Boyce said: 'Tackling obesity is a long-term challenge and even effective local programmes will not deliver big improvements in national figures right away. The government and the NHS must continue to focus their efforts on supporting people to change their engrained bad behaviours and maintain healthier lifestyles. Increases in exercise rates and consumption of fruit and vegetables are encouraging but lack of progress in reducing childhood obesity is a concern as unhealthy habits are learnt at a young age. 'It is crucial not to view problems like teenage pregnancy and rates of sexually transmitted disease in isolation from other policy. Improvements in both these areas are fundamental in reducing health inequalities and it's important to be aware of how different government health strategies can, and should, support each other.' The King's Fund completed a 12 month investigation into how the NHS can help people live healthier lifestyles in December 2008. The Kicking Bad Habits programme final report 'Commissioning and Behviour Change' can be downloaded here: http://www.kingsfund.org.uk/kbh

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