Joined-up approach to evaluate childhood obesity programmes

A united front is needed to tackle childhood obesity effectively, according to researchers at the University of Hertfordshire's Weight and Obesity Research Group.

With this in mind, over 100 health professionals and decision makers will gather to develop a joined-up approach to evaluating programmes to tackle the topic, at a conference at the University of Hertfordshire next week.

Dr Wendy Wills, who leads the University's Weight and Obesity Research Group and who is a key researcher in the field of childhood obesity, will host Childhood Obesity Interventions: Challenges of Evaluations in Community Settings, which will take place at College Lane Campus on Wednesday 3 November from 1-4.30pm.

"We organised this conference because we want to bring together professionals from across the National Health Service (NHS) so that we can discuss different ways of evaluating childhood obesity programmes to help decide which ones work best," said Dr Wills.

Conference speakers are: Dr Pinki Sahota, Reader in Childhood Obesity, Leeds Metropolitan, who will discuss the development of effective interventions; Dr Kirsten Rennie, Senior Lecturer in Nutrition & Senior Research Advisor, Centre for Lifespan & Chronic Illness Research, University of Hertfordshire, Stuart King, Senior Health Improvement Specialist for Obesity, NHS Bedfordshire and Dr Laurel Edmunds, child weight management specialist, all of whom will discuss aspects of the challenges of evaluating community based interventions. Jean Hughes, who was Lead Consultant on Obesity for Peterborough Primary Care Trust (PCT), will chair the afternoon's discussions.

The conference will attract children's nurses, health visitors, dieticians, children's centre managers and a representative from the National Obesity Observatory.

"Obesity is a challenging area within public health, and so much money is being invested in different interventions that it is important to have a joined-up approach," said Dr Wills. "Our meeting provides an opportunity for key players to work together to find effective solutions."

SOURCE University of Hertfordshire