Report

Treating and preventing adolescent obesity

This report from UK think tank the Social Market Foundation looks at trends and policy options for addressing teenage obesity.

This briefing from the UK think tank Social Market Foundation looks into the trends and policy options for addressing teenage obesity. The Government’s ambitions for addressing childhood obesity aren’t necessarily matched by its policies. In fact, there is currently no distinct strategy for teenage obesity. This briefing explores trends, drivers, and policy options for improving teenage health outcomes and reducing its substantial societal costs. Its policy recommendations include – giving metro mayors and local authorities powers to deliver interventions targeted at the specific challenges of the locality; expanding access to family-level interventions which encourage whole households to take steps to lead healthier lives, and an overhaul of the National Child Measurement Programme, ensuring that it includes more guidance and support to parents and carers.