New Sunderland weight strategy approved by council

Sunderland’s Health and Wellbeing Board has backed the Sunderland Healthy Weight Strategy 2026-2031, a plan that was developed in partnership with the NHS, education providers, the voluntary and community sector, workplaces, and the Sunderland Good Food Partnership.

It aims to address unhealthy weight, one of the city’s most pressing health challenges.

Councillor Kelly Chequer, Sunderland City Council’s cabinet member for health, wellbeing and safer communities, said: “The strategy recognises that achieving and sustaining healthy weight requires healthy places and reflects our commitment to working with partners across the city to ensure that the environment in Sunderland makes it as easy as possible for residents to live healthy lives.

“Embedding these principles will help us achieve our shared vision of improved health and reduced health inequalities for all.”

The strategy focuses on creating supportive environments that enable healthier choices and more active lifestyles.

It takes a whole-system approach, targeting the social, economic, and environmental factors that affect health.

Priorities include giving children the best start in life with improved early years nutrition and breastfeeding support, creating healthier city environments through planning and transport, enabling healthy communities through greater access to physical activity and nutritious food, and strengthening system-wide leadership.

Currently, one in three children in Sunderland starts school overweight or obese – a figure that rises to one in two by Year 6.

Children in the most deprived areas are twice as likely to be affected.

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The strategy aims to address these inequalities by making long-term changes to transport, housing, and the local food environment.

Such changes are intended to support healthier lifestyles, reduce health disparities, and improve outcomes across the population.

The Healthy Weight Strategy will be considered for approval by Sunderland City Council’s cabinet on Thursday, March 26.