Obesity remains a formidable public health challenge across the United Kingdom, exerting significant pressure on individuals, healthcare services, and the wider economy. Read about new government funding here.
In Cheshire, as in many regions, escalating rates of overweight and obesity among adults and children have sounded alarms among health professionals and policymakers. However, a recent government announcement of increased public health funding for the 2025–2026 financial year offers a renewed opportunity for local authorities to intensify their efforts against this pervasive issue. This article will delve into the implications of this new funding for Cheshire’s health programmes, examining its potential allocation and the broader impact on the region’s health and future.
The Pervasive Challenge of Obesity in Cheshire
Local Statistics and Deepening Inequalities
Cheshire reflects the complex obesity landscape prevalent throughout the North West. In Cheshire East, current data indicates that 59.5% of adults are categorised as overweight or obese. The situation concerning childhood obesity is equally concerning, with 21.6% of children in Reception and 30.2% of those in Year 6 recorded as being above a healthy weight. These figures become starker when viewed through the lens of deprivation; children residing in more deprived areas are more than twice as likely to be obese compared to their counterparts in more affluent neighbourhoods. This concerning trend is mirrored across the broader Cheshire and Merseyside area, where adult and childhood obesity rates often surpass national averages and demonstrate a strong correlation with social and economic disadvantage.
Profound Health and Economic Repercussions
Obesity is a primary contributor to a host of chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and various forms of cancer. The financial burden on the National Health Service is immense, exceeding £11.4 billion annually, while the wider societal cost is estimated at a staggering £74.3 billion. Projections for Cheshire and Merseyside suggest that the number of individuals living with major illnesses is set to increase by a third by the year 2040, underscoring the critical need for robust and effective interventions.
The 2025–2026 Public Health Grant: A Potential Turning Point
Details of the Financial Reinforcement
For the 2025–2026 financial year, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has allocated an additional £200 million to the public health grant, bringing the total for local authorities in England to £3.869 billion. This enhancement represents a 3% real-terms increase from the previous year and is specifically ring-fenced for public health functions, crucially including obesity prevention and weight management services. The grant is scheduled to be disbursed in quarterly installments, accompanied by stringent conditions to ensure its effective and transparent utilisation.
Anticipated Impact of the Funding
This vital grant supports an extensive array of preventative services. These include community-based weight management programmes for both adults and children, initiatives promoting healthy eating and increased physical activity, early intervention schemes, and targeted support for communities experiencing higher levels of deprivation. Local authorities in Cheshire are anticipated to leverage this additional funding to expand and refine existing services, bolster system-wide collaborations such as the Eat Well Be Active partnership, and address persistent health inequalities through bespoke, targeted interventions. While this uplift is a positive development, it is important to note that it only partially recovers the 28% real-terms per person cut to public health funding since 2015/16.
Existing Local Health Programmes: A Foundation to Build Upon
Services Tailored for Children and Young People
Cheshire West and Chester Council has established a Healthy Weight Pathway specifically for children and young people, aiming to provide a consistent, multi-agency approach for those whose Body Mass Index (BMI) falls outside the healthy range. Despite this framework, a significant gap persists in some areas, with a current lack of dedicated community weight management programmes for this age group—a deficiency the new funding injection could help rectify. Prevention remains a cornerstone, with services supporting families from early years, and schools playing a role in education and fostering healthy environments.
Adult Weight Management Initiatives
A variety of free weight management services are accessible to adults across Cheshire. These include:
- Re-Shape (One You Cheshire East): A comprehensive 12-week programme that integrates dietary advice, exercise plans, and behavioural change strategies, available through in-person sessions, online platforms, or a dedicated digital application.
- Cheshire Change Hub: Offering a 12-week structured programme for adults, particularly those with specific underlying health conditions, which includes group sessions, nutritional education, and discounted gym memberships upon completion.
- Brio Leisure: Providing a free 12-week weight management programme for eligible adults, with a focus on fostering sustainable lifestyle modifications and offering ongoing support.
For individuals requiring more intensive interventions, specialist weight management services are available through NHS pathways, encompassing pre-bariatric surgery programmes and multidisciplinary clinics.
A Holistic, Whole Systems Approach to Combatting Inequality
Addressing the Wider Determinants of Health
Recognising that obesity is influenced by a complex interplay of social, economic, and environmental factors, Cheshire’s strategy embraces a whole systems approach. Key actions within this framework include:
- Improving access to affordable and nutritious food options.
- Promoting active travel and investing in enhanced walking and cycling infrastructure.
- Supporting educational institutions and workplaces in creating environments conducive to healthy lifestyles.
- Strategically reducing the concentration of unhealthy food outlets, particularly in areas of high deprivation.
The Role of Partnerships and Policy
The Healthy Weight Declaration, formally adopted by Cheshire West and Chester Council in 2019, signifies a commitment from the council and its partners to prioritise healthy weight considerations across all policies and operational practices. The Eat Well Be Active partnership exemplifies this collaborative ethos, uniting local authorities, NHS bodies, and community organisations to deliver coordinated, system-wide actions aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles.
Navigating the Journey: Support, Resources, and Emerging Hope
The path to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is often multifaceted, involving not just lifestyle adjustments but also a deeper understanding of the physiological and psychological factors at play. For many individuals, grappling with obesity can be intertwined with managing or preventing related conditions, most notably type 2 diabetes. The strong correlation between excess weight and an increased risk of diabetes is well-documented, making integrated care and preventative strategies paramount. In this context, ongoing research and advancements in medical science offer glimmers of hope. Emerging discussions around unexpected breakthroughs that could pave the way for a diabetes-free future for many obesity patients highlight the dynamic nature of treatment possibilities. Access to reliable, well-researched information on such developments can empower individuals to engage more proactively with healthcare professionals and to explore all available avenues for improving their long-term health outcomes. These resources can complement structured programmes by fostering understanding and providing encouragement.
Opportunities Presented and Enduring Challenges
Maximising the Impact of New Funding
The fresh injection of funds offers Cheshire a significant opportunity to:
- Launch new or expand existing weight management programmes specifically designed for children and their families.
- Enhance outreach initiatives within deprived communities to more effectively tackle entrenched health inequalities.
- Foster innovation in service delivery, including the adoption of digital interventions and other new technologies.
- Build local capacity to support sustainable, long-term improvements in public health.
Acknowledging Persistent Obstacles
Despite the welcome financial boost, public health funding has yet to return to pre-2015 levels, while the demand for services continues to escalate. Ensuring equitable access to programmes, overcoming the stigma often associated with obesity, and addressing the deep-rooted causes—such as poverty and food insecurity—will necessitate sustained commitment, innovative strategies, and robust collaboration across all sectors.
Table: Key Obesity and Health Programme Statistics in Cheshire
| Indicator | Cheshire East | Cheshire West & Chester | National Average (England) |
| Adult overweight/obesity (%) | 59.5% | Data not specified in provided results | ~63.8% |
| Children overweight/obese (Reception, %) | 21.6% | Data not specified in provided results | ~23.0% |
| Children overweight/obese (Year 6, %) | 30.2% | Data not specified in provided results | ~34.0% |
| Public Health Grant 2025–2026 (England total) | – | – | £3.869 billion |
| Free adult weight management programmes available | Yes | Yes | Varies by locality |
Conclusion
The government’s increased investment in public health signifies a critical juncture for Cheshire’s ongoing efforts to address the challenge of obesity. By channeling these resources towards prevention, the expansion of weight management services, and a concerted effort to mitigate health inequalities, local authorities have a tangible opportunity to positively impact the health and wellbeing of their communities. Nevertheless, the translation of this funding into lasting, meaningful change will hinge upon a sustained, comprehensive, whole systems approach—one that seamlessly integrates policy development, robust partnerships, and active community engagement. As Cheshire prepares to leverage these new opportunities, residents are encouraged to explore and utilise the expanding range of support services becoming available to help them on their journey towards better health.
