New map reveals over 7,000 fast food outlets in the North West

New map reveals over 7,000 fast food outlets in the North West

Rochdale: 220 outlets; 103.3 per 100,000 population

There are over 7,000 fast food outlets in the North West, a new map published by Public Health England reveals.

Collecting this information is important because there is a growing body of evidence on the association between exposure to fast food outlets and obesity, despite some studies showing conflicting results. Data from the National Child Measurement Programme shows there are more overweight or obese children in poorer areas.

In the North West there are 7,533 fast food outlets in total. Fast food is likely to be high in saturated fat and salt, of which the population exceeds official recommendations.

The map shows how many fast food outlets, including burger bars, kebab and chip shops, are in each local authority. The density of fast food outlets in local authorities ranges from 24 to 199 per 100,000 of the population. The national average is 88. In the North West this ranges from 35 to 752.

Dr Rebecca Wagstaff, Deputy Director for PHE North West said: “Over a fifth of adults and children eat takeaway meals at home more than once a week which is contributing to the nation’s obesity epidemic. In the North West the majority of our local authorities are already tackling this issue and introducing a number of initiatives including trying to limit new takeaways, particularly around schools.”

Local authorities can use this data to target resource to help tackle overweight and obesity levels. PHE published a briefing for local authorities in 2014 on introducing fast food outlet exclusion zones around schools to help reduce children’s exposure to foods and drinks that are high in fat, salt and calories.

PHE also published a joint briefing with the Town and Country Planning Association and Local Government Association to support local authorities to plan and design healthier weight environments.

Not all fast food is unhealthy. PHE will be working with the out-of-home sector, which includes restaurants, cafés and fast food outlets, to reduce the amount of sugar, saturated fat, salt and calories in the food and drink they serve and increase the range of healthier options they offer. This will help to tackle overweight and obesity in children as part of the government’s Childhood Obesity Plan.

The map also underlines PHE’s call for the population to follow a healthy, balanced diet, based on the new Eatwell Guide, which includes eating a minimum of 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables per day and increasing consumption of oily fish and fibre. Foods and drinks that are high in fat, salt or sugar should only be consumed occasionally and in small amounts.

• https://www.noo.org.uk/visualisation