Practice Based Public Health and Health Promotion Project

Sample Answer

Practice Based Public Health and Health Promotion Project

Introduction

Obesity is one of the most significant public health challenges facing the United Kingdom. It is strongly linked to long term conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and poor mental health. The burden of obesity does not fall equally across society. Adults living in socioeconomically deprived urban areas experience higher obesity rates, poorer access to healthy food options, reduced opportunities for physical activity, and worse health outcomes overall.

This project focuses on adult obesity within deprived urban communities in England, using a practice based public health perspective. The setting is anonymised and referred to as a local community health partnership working alongside primary care and local authority public health teams. The chosen target group is adults aged 25 to 55 living in areas within the lowest two quintiles of the Index of Multiple Deprivation.

The rationale for selecting obesity is based on its preventable nature, its strong link to health inequalities, and its relevance to current national and local public health priorities. Obesity is influenced by a complex interaction of social, economic, environmental, and behavioural factors. Addressing it requires interventions that go beyond individual responsibility and instead focus on supportive environments and accessible services.

Aim

The aim of this project is to develop a community based lifestyle intervention to reduce obesity levels and improve health behaviours among adults living in deprived urban areas.

Objectives

The objectives of the intervention are to:

• Increase knowledge and awareness of healthy eating and physical activity.

• Support sustainable behaviour change related to diet and movement.

• Improve access to local physical activity opportunities.

• Reduce obesity related health inequalities within the target group.

Identified Need

Epidemiological Context

Obesity prevalence in England remains high. According to NHS Digital, approximately 64 percent of adults are overweight or obese, with higher rates observed in deprived areas (NHS Digital, 2023). Adults living in the most deprived areas are almost twice as likely to be obese compared to those in the least deprived areas. This inequality is persistent and widening.

Obesity is associated with increased morbidity and premature mortality. Public Health England has identified obesity as a major contributor to avoidable ill health and rising NHS costs. It also places pressure on social care services and reduces workforce productivity.

Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors

The target population in deprived urban communities often experiences:

• Lower income and job insecurity.

• Limited access to affordable healthy food.

• High density of fast food outlets.

• Unsafe or poorly maintained spaces for physical activity.

• Lower health literacy.

These factors create an environment where unhealthy choices become the default option rather than the exception.

Health Inequalities and Social Determinants

The social determinants of health play a central role in obesity. Dahlgren and Whitehead’s model highlights how individual lifestyle factors are shaped by broader socioeconomic and environmental conditions. In deprived urban areas, food poverty, housing quality, transport access, and stress all contribute to unhealthy weight gain.

Professionals working within primary care and community services consistently identify obesity as a priority issue, particularly due to its link with long term conditions and mental health problems. Service users often report feeling blamed or stigmatised, which can discourage engagement with weight management services.

Evidence Base

Current Policy and Service Provision

National policy recognises obesity as a major public health issue. Key policy drivers include:

• The UK Government Obesity Strategy.

• NHS Long Term Plan.

• Local authority public health strategies focused on prevention.

Existing services typically include GP referrals to weight management programmes, brief lifestyle advice, and commercial weight loss schemes. While these interventions can be effective, evidence suggests they often fail to reach or retain individuals from deprived communities.

Review of Evidence for Effective Interventions

Research shows that community based, multi component interventions are more effective than single approach programmes. Systematic reviews indicate that interventions combining dietary education, physical activity support, and behavioural change techniques produce modest but meaningful weight loss outcomes.

Interventions that are culturally sensitive, locally delivered, and free at the point of access demonstrate higher engagement levels. Group based programmes also provide social support, which is a key facilitator of sustained behaviour change.

Theories such as the Health Belief Model and Social Cognitive Theory highlight the importance of self efficacy, perceived barriers, and social norms. Behaviour change is more likely when individuals feel supported and capable rather than judged.

Intervention Proposal

Chosen Public Health Method

The intervention is developed using a community development approach. This method is appropriate as it emphasises empowerment, participation, and addressing structural barriers to health.

Ethical Framework

The intervention aligns with the Stewardship Model of public health ethics. It supports individuals to make healthier choices while respecting autonomy and avoiding coercion. The focus is on creating supportive environments rather than imposing restrictions.

Description of the Intervention

The proposed intervention is a 12 week community based healthy lifestyle programme delivered in local community centres. Sessions will be held weekly and include:

• Interactive nutrition education.

• Group based physical activity suitable for all fitness levels.

• Behaviour change support, including goal setting and problem solving.

Sessions will be delivered by trained health trainers and community volunteers. Materials will be written in plain English and tailored to local cultural contexts.

Data Collection and Evaluation

Baseline and follow up data will be collected using:

• Body Mass Index measurements.

• Self reported physical activity levels.

• Dietary behaviour questionnaires.

• Participant feedback forms.

Data will be anonymised and collected in line with data protection requirements.

Resources and Stakeholders

Resources required include:

• Venue hire.

• Staff time.

• Educational materials.

• Basic exercise equipment.

Key stakeholders include local authority public health teams, GP practices, community organisations, and service users themselves.

Timeframe

The intervention will run over six months, including planning, delivery, and evaluation phases.