Quarterly Health Promotion Forum

On 7 March, the North East Health Promotion Forum gathered a cross-section of researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals to examine the complex issue of childhood obesity. The discussion drew on current digital health research and surfaced broader systemic challenges: including stigma, socioeconomic inequality, and limited access to support services.

The forum explored the potential of digital tools, particularly those co-designed with families and underpinned by robust evidence, to encourage positive behaviour change and foster sustained engagement. There was strong consensus on the importance of moving beyond weight-focused messaging in favour of compassionate, holistic approaches that recognise the role of mental health and family context.

This meeting laid the groundwork for a more integrated, person-centred response to childhood obesity. Forthcoming work will build on these discussions, with an update on intervention development to be shared later this year.

Last modified: Wed, 30 Jul 2025 10:16:29 BST