South Yorkshire council to consider crackdown on sale of fatty foods and energy drinks to tackle obesity

36 percent of 11-year-olds in the borough are now overweight or obese- and almost two thirds of adults.

Rotherham Council formally signed and adopted a declaration which outlines how they will tackle the issue in January, joining other local authorities including York, Leeds and Kirklees.

At a meeting of Rotherham's health select committee on Thursday (June 4), members will hear a report outlining details of how this will be done.

If agreed, the the council will urge Rotherham's fast food outlets to offer healthier options, make it harder for unhealthy food to be advertised to children, and crack down on shops selling energy drinks to youngsters.

Under the plans, exercise will be encouraged through the council promoting walking and cycling, and it will also review the food and drink on offer in public buildings and at public events, to ensure healthier options are on offer.

The report to the board states: "The reason for bringing this to health select commission is to help build momentum, as well as help identify and work with new stakeholders in developing actions against the commitments from within and outside the council.

"Unhealthy weight (overweight and obesity) is a serious public health problem that increases disability, disease and death and has substantial long-term economic, wellbeing and social costs.

"Rotherham has high levels of obesity for both children and adults. 25.5 percent of four to five year olds and 36.1 per cent of 10-11 year olds are overweight or obese, compared with 22.4 percent and 34.3 per cent England average.

"Nearly two-thirds of Rotherham adults aged over 18 are now overweight or obese at 62.7 per cent, which is similar to the England average of 62 per cent .

"Rotherham has also been the target for media interest over several years in relation to obesity.

"To address these challenges and ensure obesity remains a priority locally, a proposed ‘Healthy Weight For All’ plan has been presented to the health and wellbeing board, and is currently being developed, which focuses on a whole-system approach to promote healthy weight across the life-course.

"The vision for tackling this significant issue is for Rotherham to be a place where people of all ages feel able to make healthy choices for themselves and their families, particularly in relation to food and physical activity."