On 1 March 2017, we hosted the Big Fat Chat Live event at the Aquarius Ballroom in Hednesford, Cannock
We listened to your opinions on how we should tackle obesity in Staffordshire, where responsibilities lie and how far we are willing to go to make a positive change.
Live stream
The event was streamed live, and you can now watch a replay of the live stream below
The expert panel
The debate was led by a panel of experts on the night who posed questions and shared different opinions along with those of the public in attendance.
The panel were:
- Dr Anne-Marie Holder (Local GP)
- Jane Deville-Almond (Chair of British Obesity Society)
- Amy Blount (Weight Watchers Lead)
- Karen Hansford (School Nurse Professional lead)
- Vittal Rao (Upper GI Bariatric Surgeon, University Hospital of North Midlands)
- David Elliot (Public Health Manager, Public Health England)
- Councillor Alan White (Cabinet Member for Health and Care, Staffordshire County Council)
The debate
At the event, we asked you to consider some tricky issues and share your opinion on them. There’s no real right or wrong, we wanted to hear your views, explore what it will take to tackle obesity in Staffordshire and start to agree who will take responsibility for what.
Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in the live debate.
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WHAT IS BIG FAT CHAT?
Staffordshire’s Big Fat Chat is a public debate being run by Staffordshire’s Health and Wellbeing Board. It’s about hearing your opinions on how we should tackle obesity in Staffordshire.
We’ll use your views, alongside other research and evidence, to agree a joint plan to tackle obesity across the county.
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4 Comments
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Jack Stevens
February 21, 2017 at 4:28 pm
Wow – you’ve really gone to town with the fat shaming, lack of understanding and demonising a section of society with the way those topics are worded.
..should not pay …. too lazy ….forced to attend ….. 50% tax ….. parents fault …..
I assume the idea is to dissuade people with a balanced view from attending and also ensure anyone who is overweight doesn’t feel comfortable telling you what help or support they would like to help them.
Big Fat Chat Team
February 28, 2017 at 2:40 pm
Hi Jack, yes, the Together 4 Health service will come to an end in April 2017.
As you know, both the NHS and local government are dealing with very challenging times with regards to public finances and in particular, being able to pay for increasing adult social care costs.
With less money available, the county council is looking for people to take greater responsibility for their own health and wellbeing so that they can focus resources on those who need help the most.
People who are already being supported by the Healthy Lifestyles Service will be able to finish their 12-week programme and in the future the county council will still commission support for weight management in children and support for pregnant women to stop smoking.
We’re looking to open up the debate on obesity and whose responsibility it is to tackle it.
There are many sources of recognised support out there in the community and lots of opportunities for exercise that don’t have a cost attached (walking, running or cycling).
There’s also a wealth of information and advice online and free apps that can support people to maintain a healthy weight.
The role of the state vs personal responsibility is one of the issues we will be debating at the event tomorrow.
Jane
March 2, 2017 at 8:46 am
Great to get a chance to see the recording of the event – but at almost 2 hours it’s very long – any chance on an edited highlights version. Thanks
Big Fat Chat Team
March 2, 2017 at 2:00 pm
Thanks for your comment Jane. Your right it would be good to break this down into highlights, Can’t promise anything as it depends on time and resources.