Harrow Healthy Weight Resident Survey

A healthy weight matters to all of us – help us understand what this means for people in Harrow

Being overweight can increase the risk of many health conditions including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. Being underweight can also contribute to health issues including nutritional deficiencies, a weakened immune system and conditions such as osteoporosis, although this is less common than overweight and obesity.

In Harrow, levels of overweight and obesity remain a significant public health concern.

Latest Harrow data shows:

• 17.6% (almost 1 in 5) of Reception-aged children are overweight or obese
• 35.8% (over 1 in 3) of Year 6 children are overweight or obese
• 58.5% of adults in Harrow are overweight or obese

These figures show that the prevalence of overweight and obesity increases with age. They also highlight the importance of understanding the factors that influence healthy weight, including:

• access to healthy food
• opportunities for physical activity
• wider social and environmental influences

Understanding these factors will help us take an earlier, preventative approach to supporting healthier lifestyles.

The London Borough of Harrow is gathering views and experiences to better understand residents’ behaviours, barriers, and suggestions related to maintaining a healthy weight.

To support this work, we have created a survey to gather views and experiences from local residents. We also welcome responses from people who work, study, or regularly visit Harrow.

All information provided will be kept confidential and used only to help improve local public health planning, services, and support for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.