Obesity rates in Kent and Medway are rising.

In 2021/2022, 65.8% of adults were classified as overweight — up from 63.1% the previous year. The figures vary across our region, from 57% in Tunbridge Wells to 73% in Folkestone and Hythe[LC1] [LC2] .

Most of us still fall short of the recommended daily fibre intake and five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. According to the NHS, low fibre diets and obesity increase the risk of heart disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes, and bowel cancer.

View the Kent & Medway Weight Management Action Plan ›

https://democracy.kent.gov.uk/documents/s126721/Item%2011%20-%20Weight%20Management%20Action%20Plan.pdf

Why changing diets is complex

Encouraging people to eat more fruit, vegetables and pulses isn’t simple.

Common barriers include:

 Cost and affordability of fresh produce
 Limited time to prepare healthy meals
 Social influences and marketing of convenience foods
 Access to grocery stores and nutritious options
 Lack of cooking skills or meal ideas
 Poor labelling and packaging information
 Habit and motivation

There is no single solution. But taking a food system approach with multidisciplinary specialists will have the greatest impact.

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