Critically understand and evaluate the various factors that influence population health outcomes and explain their significance in relation to health protection, healthcare public health, and health improvement (including health promotion)

Assignment Brief

This paper revolves around the topic of public health issue on childhood obesity in London in which you have to write an essay emphasising on public health policy. Moreover, you also have to cover the aspects stated below:

• Find and evaluate a public health problem within a population
• Identify and explain policy documents from international, national, and local sources dealing with this issue
• Criticise and discuss the interpretation of pertinent approaches to health promotion within the context
• Suggest a clear evaluation of policy initiatives of dealing with the issue

Instructions 

TITLE – PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE ON CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN LONDON

The brief

Assessment C is a 3500-word essay focusing on a public health policy.

You should focus your essay on one of the topics covered in the reading and discussion groups.

Your essay should:

1. Identify and analyse a public health issue in a defined population
2. Identify and discuss policy documents from international, national and local sources that tackle this issue
3. Provide a clear analysis of policy initiatives that are geared towards tackling this issue
4. Discuss and critiquing how relevant approaches to health promotion are interpreted within the identified policy initiatives.

Module Aims

This core module aims to:

• Develop an understanding, knowledge, and skills for engaging with historical and contemporary public health discourses, problems, theories, research methodologies, policy and practice issues
• Provide a social science based contextual and critical understanding of the impact of the social determinants of health on population health outcomes, with an emphasis on the importance of community engagement as part a public health response
• Evaluate a range of projects and research studies; identifying the impact on public health issues
• Understand and evaluate the key principles and concepts underpinning developments in public health and health promotion at the community level
• Critically analyse the influence of various national policies on health promotion practice

Module learning outcomes 

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

1. Critically understand and evaluate the various factors that influence population health outcomes and explain their significance in relation to health protection, healthcare public health, and health improvement (including health promotion)
2. Critically examine global, national, and local policies for health improvement and health promotion, explaining how these relate to engagement with communities within England
3. Critically analyse measures to address inequalities in health at different geographical levels and between various population groups (with an emphasis on community)
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the values, ethical principles, and norms that influence public health policy development and conduct of public health practitioners
5. Demonstrate critical thinking in relation to measures taken to address specific public health issues

Sample Answer

Public Health Issue on Childhood Obesity in London

Introduction

Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern across the world. In London, this issue has become particularly serious over recent years. Obesity in children leads to health risks like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and mental health problems. Tackling this issue requires well-designed public health policies that work at international, national, and local levels. This essay will explore childhood obesity in London as a public health problem. It will analyse various policy documents that address the issue and evaluate how health promotion strategies are used to combat childhood obesity. The essay also critiques the effectiveness of current policy initiatives and suggests improvements.

Identifying and Analysing the Public Health Issue

Childhood obesity refers to children having excessive body fat that can harm their health. In London, the problem is especially alarming. According to the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP), in 2023, nearly 25% of Year 6 children (aged 10-11) in London were classified as obese. The figures are even higher in deprived boroughs like Barking and Dagenham, where more than 40% of children were overweight or obese.

Obesity during childhood often continues into adulthood and increases the risk of chronic illnesses. It also affects children’s emotional wellbeing, leading to issues like low self-esteem and social isolation. The main factors contributing to this issue include poor diet, lack of physical activity, genetic predisposition, socio-economic factors, and exposure to high-calorie food advertising.

Policy Documents at International, National, and Local Levels

International

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises childhood obesity as a global epidemic. Its 2016 report, Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity, outlines six key areas of action, including promoting healthy food and physical activity environments and reducing the marketing of unhealthy food to children. The WHO also recommends taxes on sugary drinks and encourages countries to introduce food labelling systems.

National

In the UK, several national policies have targeted childhood obesity. The Childhood Obesity Plan: Chapter 1 (2016) and Chapter 2 (2018) by the Department of Health and Social Care set ambitious targets to halve childhood obesity by 2030. These policies introduced the Soft Drinks Industry Levy (sugar tax), promoted daily physical activity in schools, and restricted unhealthy food advertising.

Another important policy is the School Food Standards, which ensures nutritious meals are served in schools. The Public Health England (PHE) also launched campaigns such as Change4Life, aimed at educating parents and children on healthy habits.

Local

At the local level, many London boroughs have developed strategies to combat childhood obesity. For example, the Healthy Schools London programme supports schools in promoting physical and mental health. Boroughs like Tower Hamlets and Lambeth have set up their own action plans, which include improving park access, limiting fast food outlets near schools, and offering healthy cooking workshops.

Evaluation of Policy Initiatives

Many policies introduced to fight childhood obesity have had positive impacts. The sugar tax led to reduced sugar levels in drinks, as manufacturers reformulated products. School-based programmes helped increase awareness about nutrition and physical activity.

However, progress has been slow and uneven. The 2030 target to halve childhood obesity now seems unlikely to be achieved. Key challenges include:

• Inequality: Children from low-income families remain disproportionately affected. Healthy food options are often more expensive or less accessible in deprived areas.

• Marketing: Despite government action, children are still widely exposed to junk food advertising online.

• Lack of enforcement: Some policies lack strict enforcement mechanisms. For example, the ban on selling sugary drinks in schools is often not monitored effectively.

More investment is also needed in community-based initiatives, especially in boroughs with high obesity rates.

Health Promotion Approaches in Policy

Health promotion plays a vital role in addressing childhood obesity. Different models can be seen in policy approaches:

• Behavioural Change Model: Campaigns like Change4Life use this approach to influence individual behaviour by providing information about healthy eating and exercise.

• Socio-Ecological Model: Some policies aim to change the wider environment, like banning junk food advertisements or creating safer parks for children to play.

• Empowerment Model: Local workshops and community-led activities help families gain skills and knowledge to make healthier choices.

While these models are helpful, many policies rely too much on individual behaviour change, which may not be effective without addressing the broader structural issues like poverty and food deserts.

Suggestions for Improvement

To improve current strategies, the following recommendations are proposed:

1. Stronger Regulation: Enforce stricter rules on junk food advertising, especially on digital platforms.

2. Subsidise Healthy Food: Offer financial support to make fruits and vegetables more affordable for low-income families.

3. Community Investment: Increase funding for local programmes that provide nutrition education and physical activities.

4. Integrated Approach: Combine health, education, and urban planning departments to create child-friendly environments.

5. Regular Monitoring: Track the effectiveness of existing policies and adjust them as needed based on data and feedback.

Case Study: Tower Hamlets

Tower Hamlets is a London borough with high levels of childhood obesity. The council introduced a borough-wide Healthy Weight Strategy (2021–2026). Key actions included:

• Banning new fast food outlets within 400 metres of schools

• Partnering with schools to provide after-school physical activity clubs

• Supporting food banks to offer healthy food packages

Initial results showed a small decline in obesity rates and improved parent engagement in healthy living initiatives. This case highlights the importance of local action tailored to community needs.

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