Bolton residents asked to have their say on children’s healthy living

‘The Real Picture’ survey commissioned by NHS Greater Manchester (NHS GM) launched in December and is already revealing some insightful trends across the region’s 10 boroughs. 

According to survey responses so far, two in five (21 per cent) Greater Manchester residents think reducing the rate of childhood obesity should be the top priority for the region’s local authorities and health services.

And a further 57 per cent believe it should be a high priority, meaning that eight in 10 (79.3 per cent) Greater Manchester residents see the issue as a key area of focus for 2024.  

The Bolton News has previously reported about NHS Digital figures which show 875 of 3,930 year six pupils measured in Bolton were classed as obese or severely obese in 2022-23.

It meant 22.3 per cent of 10 and 11-year-olds were in the highest two BMI categories as they prepared to leave primary school.

This was down from 25.5 per cent the year before but above pre-pandemic levels of 21.4 per cent in 2019-20.

With the survey open for responses until the end of tomorrow, January 31, NHS GM is keen to hear from Greater Manchester residents, far and wide, on whether they agree with the existing sentiments or instead, want to share their views before the end of the consultation.

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Jane Pilkington, Director of Population Health at NHS Greater Manchester, says: “It’s no surprise that Greater Manchester locals see childhood obesity levels as a high priority health focus for 2024; a child who is classed as obese is much more likely to be an obese adult and suffer long-term poor health as a result.

“We want to understand the contributing factors to childhood obesity from the perspective of Greater Manchester residents.

“The survey is still ongoing and it’s imperative we build the real picture. With easy access to fast food, the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, and the saturation of junk-food ads, it’s important we work out what’s really impacting children’s healthy weight across the city-region.”

Jane adds: “The data we’ve captured so far is so important to the campaign and we thank those who have already taken time to participate.

“We need to continue to build a rich, cross section of views from residents from all backgrounds and communities to ensure we uncover the real picture.

“All residents are warmly invited to have their say, so that we can ensure future action and interventions are based on the needs and insights derived from communities.”

The survey, accessed via therealpicture.org will be used to inform a wide range of partners within the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership including NHS GM, local authorities, the voluntary sector and charities, health professionals and beyond to help identify ideas, initiatives and interventions that resonate with residents and children and ensure a lasting and positive change towards happier, healthier lives.  

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.