Background
In England nearly 65% of adults are classed as obese. In the North East this is even higher.
People with lived experience of mental health conditions and those with learning disabilities are at an increased risk of premature morbidity, dying up to twenty years sooner than the general population. It is thought that two thirds of these deaths are from avoidable physical illnesses that are linked with unhealthy lifestyles including poor diet and low levels of physical activity.
At TEWV we are committed to tackling health inequalities and have been working with colleagues from Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, the Northern Clinical Network, Public Health England, local authorities and Teesside University, as well as service users and carers to develop a regional weight management plan which aims to address the needs of those in our care.
Weight management plan Weight management plan easy readConcerned about your weight?
If you are concerned about your weight and feel like you need help to adopt a healthy lifestyle, your GP or care team will be able to provide additional support and guidance. Local weight management groups can also be helpful and provide you with a network of support to help you on your journey. Resources such as Wellbeing for Life can put you in touch with a health trainer for one to one support.
Our plans for weight management
Our plan was launched in January 2018. It’s a long-term piece of work which we’ll be putting into place over the next three years.
There’s more support information and useful links here on the regional webpage
Some things we’re looking at for patients of all ages include:
- More physical health screening of our patients
- Providing healthy food and drink for all patients, staff and visitors. This will include promoting healthy recipes, removing drinks containing added sugar and meeting healthy eating guidelines
- Producing Trust guidance on restrictive practice in relation to food and drink including takeaways and portion sizes
- Physical activity to be prescribed alongside medications which are known to cause weight gain
- Providing information about on the impact of medication on weight gain
- Making sure psychologists and therapists have the ability to include healthy eating and activity in assessments and treatment plans
- Making sure everyone with learning disabilities has an annual health check and that issues relating to capacity and choice around diet and physical activity are fully addressed
Working together
The weight management plan is a partnership with Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, the Northern Clinical Network, Public Health England, local authorities, Teesside University, service users and carers.
