The Scrutiny Board (Adults, Health & Active Lifestyles) of Leeds Council convened on Tuesday, 18 June 2024, to discuss various initiatives and reports aimed at promoting healthy weight and active lifestyles in Leeds. The Board reviewed multiple reports and discussed the importance of preventative measures, social prescribing, and the impact of advertising on unhealthy food choices. They also approved the publication of the 2023/24 end-of-year statement and considered the draft work schedule for the new municipal year.

Supporting Healthy Weight and Active Lifestyles

The Board focused on supporting healthy weight and active lifestyles for the population of Leeds. Four reports were presented:

• Public Health Report: This report outlined the local approach and plans to create an environment conducive to a healthier weight.
• Leeds Health and Care Partnership Report: This document detailed the Leeds Tier 3 Specialist Weight Management Service Recovery and Redesign Plans.
• Leeds GP Confederation Report: This report provided the perspective of primary care and General Practitioners.
• Joint Report from the Director of City Development and Director of Public Health: This report discussed the Physical Activity Ambition.

Key Discussions

• Understanding Body Mass Index (BMI): Members were briefed on how BMI is calculated and its limitations, such as the impact of muscle density on BMI results.
• Health Promoting Infrastructures/Environments: The Board discussed the new draft Adult Healthier Weight Plan (AHWP) and the review of the Council’s Supplementary Planning Guidance policy for controlling Hot Food Takeaways.
• Impact of Advertising of Unhealthy Food: The feasibility of adopting advertising and sponsorship policies to restrict the promotion of unhealthy commodities was explored.
• Healthy Eating Information and Cooking Sessions: The importance of educating families on sourcing nutritious foods and preparing healthy meals was highlighted. Community Food Projects were noted as valuable resources.
• Child Obesity Levels: The relationship between child obesity and deprivation was discussed, with a focus on the impact of poverty on current obesity rates.
• HENRY Programme: The uptake and monitoring of the HENRY 5-12 programme were reviewed.
• Social Prescribing Opportunities: The benefits of social prescribing and increasing opportunities for walking and cycling were discussed, particularly in the context of the Department for Transport pilot programme in Burmantofts, Harehills, and Richmond Hill.
• Healthy Options in Vending Machines: The development of a Healthier Vending Policy through the Healthy Weight Declaration was noted.
• Tiered Model of Weight Management Provision: The Board reviewed the tiered model, focusing on the differences between primary/secondary prevention (Tiers 1 and 2) and specialist, clinically led services (Tiers 3 and 4).
• Tier 3 Weight Management Waiting Lists: The reduction in caseload following the pause in referrals and the next steps for redesigning the Tier 3 service were discussed.
• Tier 4 Surgery: The eligibility criteria and the importance of psychological preparation for Tier 4 surgery were highlighted.
• New Weight Loss Drug: The introduction of Semaglutide, its benefits, and the need for a multidisciplinary approach to weight management were discussed. An investment proposal to support 108 patients annually was also considered.
• Impact on Primary Care: The challenges faced by GP practices in supporting overweight or obese patients were acknowledged, along with the limitations of social prescribing.
• Investing in Preventative Measures: The need for greater investment in preventative measures to tackle obesity was emphasised. The Chair agreed to pursue this matter further with the Chair of the Long Term Conditions Population Board and on a ministerial level.
• Physical Activity Ambition: The progress of the Physical Activity Ambition, including the Get Set Leeds local programmes and the Aging Well campaign, was welcomed. A request was made for future reports to include services for individuals with disabilities.

The Board resolved to note the reports and appendices and for the Chair to continue pursuing greater investment in preventative measures.

2023/24 End of Year Scrutiny Board Statement

The Board approved the publication of the 2023/24 end-of-year statement, which detailed the Board’s work programme over the municipal year, including links to associated agenda packs, minutes, and webcast recordings.

Work Schedule

The draft work schedule for the new municipal year was considered. It included preliminary meeting dates and identified areas of scrutiny activity. The successor Board was recommended to consider the role of Public Health and partners in the prevention of chronic diseases, including chronic kidney disease.

The next meeting of the Adults, Health and Active Lifestyles Scrutiny Board is provisionally scheduled for Tuesday, 18 June 2024, at 1:30 pm.

For more details, you can refer to the Agenda frontsheet and the Draft AHAL Scrutiny Board minutes 12032024.