§ Linda PerhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to reduce the incidence of obesity-related illness and death. [156085]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThe Government are concerned at the impact of obesity on health and are committed to addressing the current trend in both children and adults. Prevention and management of obesity is already at the heart of the Government's priority areas, including coronary heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
The Government launched their major consultation on public health this month. The Public Health White Paper will provide the overarching framework for all Government efforts to improve public health. The consultation will enable a wide range of stakeholders to contribute to the debate on overweight and obesity. The consultation will also take account of the recommendations from Derek Wanless recent report "Securing Good Health for the Whole Population". The Government will draw up their White Paper in the light of the consultation . This will present real opportunities to progress work on the prevention and management of overweight and obesity. A planned obesity summit will form an important part of the consultation process. Work has already started through the food and health action plan and the activity co-ordination team, which will be of direct relevance to the prevention and management of obesity.
1610WLocally, primary care trusts as local providers and commissioners of services will determine the most appropriate methods to deliver health care to their populations, based on clinical need and effectiveness, as well as local circumstance, drawing on the available evidence. Under the new general medical services contract from April 2004 practices will be required to offer consultation for chronic disease and related health problems (such as obesity), offer relevant health promotion advice to patients and refer patients to other treatment that may be necessary.
There are 10 specialised obesity clinics for adults and seven for children in England. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence's guidance on drugs and surgery is already available. NICE, collaborating with the Health Development Agency, have been tasked by the Department of Health to develop guidance on the identification, prevention and management of obesity and maintenance of weight reduction, due in 2006.