Brent has the 10th highest number of fast food outlets in London
Brent has three times the national average of fast food outlets (Pic: PA) - Credit: Archant
Brent has the 10th highest number of fast food outlets out of the 32 boroughs in London, according to a report published today.
Data released by the Public Health England showed the borough has a total of 304 shops which predominantly sell calorific and unhealthy fast food such as fried chicken and burgers.
This is three times more than the national average of 88.
Brent was named the ‘fattest borough’ in London in a Health and Social Care Information Centre report in May which showed it had the highest obesity-related hospital admission in the city.
With around one in 10 Brent children aged four to five years and almost one in four aged 10 to 11 years being obese, the borough has worse than average levels of childhood obesity.
Dr Yvonne Doyle, PHE’s director for London, said: “All London councils have plans to tackle childhood obesity and are putting these into action.
“But we need to do more and faster. Our environment makes it harder for families to make healthy choices.
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“We want all Londoners to tell us what changes they think will help children and families lead healthier lives.”
Brent Council have rolled out a number of initiatives to tackle obesity.
This includes rewarding restaurants and takeaway shops in Brent with a Healthier Catering Commitment for London award (HCC) for adding healthier options to its menus.
Examples include the option of smaller portions, leaving out salt so the customers has the choice of adding it, offering water and alternatives to sugary drinks and having a side of vegetables/salad available.
Last week the council invited residents to participate in a London-wide initiative The Great Weight Debate which aims to help children lead a healthier lifestyle.
Cllr Krupesh Hirani, Brent Council’s cabinet member for community wellbeing, said: “It’s time we had a conversation with our residents about obesity and raised awareness on this issue which is causing us great concern in Brent.
“We would like as many residents as possible to have their say; parents, carers, grandparents, young people, community groups and schools. Together we can make a real difference to the health, lives and futures of the children in our borough”.
Westminster was named by PHE as the borough with the highest number at 464 while neighbouring Kensington and Chelsea has the least with 100.
To take part in the Great Weight Debate visit gethealthy.london/greatweightdebate.
