Making the links between Obesity & Well-being A briefing paper developed for CSIP North West By Lynn Snowden, Director, Inukshuk Consultancy There is no health without mental health (WHO) 1. Introduction Mental well-being is a key factor of obesity and weight management. Good mental health is a protective factor for good physical health and against physical illness and is essential for making healthy lifestyle choices and behaviour changes. Poor mental health can lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices and unhealthy weight management. Obesity and physical illness can also lead to poor mental health. People with mental health problems, especially severe, are also at increased risk of obesity and related poor health. Addressing mental well-being is therefore an essential component of all healthy weight management strategies and programmes, for both the whole population and those with or at risk of mental ill-health. In order to ensure that strategies and programmes effectively address the relevant mental well-being factors, a mental well-being impact assessment (MWIA) could be undertaken. This process is based on health impact assessment methodology and a set of evidence based mental well-being determinants and factors, grouped under the four themes of enhancing control, increasing resilience and community assets, facilitating participation and promoting inclusion. The process also involves identifying indicators to measure progress. Evaluation shows it is effective in engaging stakeholders in service development and evaluation and it increases understanding of mental well-being and its determinants. 2. Definitions of Obesity and well-being Overweight = Adults with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or over Obese = Adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or over are obese Morbidly obese = >40 kg/m2 ** BMI is a measure of weight relative to height, defined as weight (kg) divided by height (m2) (1). Mental well-being –There is no single, standard definition of well being. Broadly well being is generally seen as comprising the following domains: subjective well-being/life satisfaction, personal and social relationships – engagement/participation in community, and occupation (personal development, employment and other activity) “how people think, feel and function” (2). The Foresight Review on Mental Capital and Wellbeing, released in 2008, defined well-being as “a dynamic state, in which the individual is able to develop their potential, work productively and creatively, build strong and positive relationships with others, and contribute to their community”.(8) The NW Well-being Hearing chose a definition of well-being as “The quality of people’s experience of their lives” (3). Mental health can be described as: 2 “a state of well-being in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community” (4 ). 3. Epidemiology of Obesity The prevalence of obesity and overweight is increasing worldwide. It is seen in both genders and in virtually all age groups, pre-school and primary – school-age children. In the UK the prevalence of obesity has more than doubled in the last 25 years. In England, almost 25% of adults and approximately 10% of children are now obese. The government’s Foresight report suggested that “we can anticipate some 40% of Britons being obese by 2025” (5). The trend of weight problems in children causes particular concern because of evidence suggesting a ‘conveyor-belt’ effect in which excess weight continues into adulthood. 4. Epidemiology of Well-being A National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing was launched by the Scottish Executive in October 2001. To provide a relevant baseline the Scottish Executive commissioned the first national “Well? What do you think?” survey in 2002 and a second in 2004. In 2006, Ipsos MORI undertook the third survey, using a refined version of the questionnaire to reflect key policy developments since 2004. A representative sample of 1,216 adults aged 16+ in Scotland completed the survey. The 2006 survey also included the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), designed to measure positive mental wellbeing. On the basis of their responses to WEMWBS, 14% of respondents were classified as having 'good' mental wellbeing, 73% as having 'average' mental wellbeing and 14% as having 'poor' mental wellbeing. This will now be included on a regular basis to measure positive mental wellbeing. Factors commonly identified by respondents as having a positive effect on their emotions, mental health and mental wellbeing were spending time with family and friends, leisure activities, hobbies and a good social life. Factors considered to have a negative effect were weather, work, not having enough money and physical illness. Around two-thirds of respondents felt they had a good deal or complete control over things that affect their mental health and wellbeing, compared with 8% who felt they had little or no control. Among those most likely to feel in control were people aged 16 to 24 years, those who found it easy to manage on their income and those with good mental wellbeing. The addition of WEMWBS to the survey reinforces the importance of strong social networks in promoting positive mental health. Similarly, the observed link between high WEMWBS scores and both low deprivation and satisfaction 3 with neighbourhoods points towards the significance of the physical environment in promoting wellbeing (6). The New Economics Foundation have been leaders in well-being in the UK. They report that “although yet to devise systematic ways of capturing the wellbeing of citizens, the Uk government has been a leader in stimulating discourse about well-being and its measurement into the policy mainstream. This has now been reflected in international action (7).” For example, The Department for Children, Schools and Families and Ofsted have recently consulted on a list of proposed indicators to better assess the well-being issues faced by pupils and to capture schools’ contribution to promoting pupil well-being. The final indicator set is due for inclusion in Ofsted’s school inspection framework from September 2009. Recently, there have been calls for the development of an ‘over-arching mental capital and wellbeing measure akin to the Communities and Local Government’s (CLG) Index of Multiple Deprivation’ to be explored (8) and for governments to introduce and systematically measure National Accounts of Well-being (7). Care Services Improvement Partnership North West (CSIP NW) is coordinating a research collaborative to survey population mental wellbeing at a regional and local level (this will include the Short WEMWBS 7-item scale). This will establish baselines for the first time for mental well-being that can be used to measure change over time and between different populations and intervention groups. It will help us understand the outcomes and determinants of mental wellbeing within different populations (9). 5. Impacts of obesity on physical health and mortality The impacts of obesity on physical health and mortality are well described in the literature. Those discussed include the following: Type 2 diabetes, Hypertension, Respiratory effects, Cancers, Reproductive function, Osteoarthritis, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and Social stigmatisation and bullying are common and can, in some cases, lead to depression and other mental health conditions (10). There is less identified about the mental health and well being impacts in current literature. 6. Populations affected Some studies suggest the following are more at risk: women, more seriously obese individuals and those who seek treatment for obesity. More specifically the following are cited in several studies (11): People who suffer from physical ill-health and disability are more prone to anxiety and depression and therefore obesity could be an indirect effect because it affects physical ill-health, which in turn produces greater anxiety and depression In the Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) study, mental well being in severely obese women was significantly poorer than in severely obese men, and women perceived more psychosocial difficulties (12) 4 7. In a study that utilized a structured interview to diagnose major depression in a large sample of adults (23), obese women were likelier than nonobese women to have had a major depressive episode during the previous year. Similarly obese women, when compared to non-obese women, were likelier to report suicidal ideation and attempts. In contrast, obese men, when compared to non-obese men had a reduced risk of depression, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. (13) Other studies have suggested that obese women and men who sought treatment had significantly poorer psychological quality of life than obese individuals in the community not seeking treatment (14) Depression may also be associated with decreases in physical activity, which may increase obesity risk (11) People with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are 1.6 times more likely to develop ischaemic heart disease, 1.9 times more likely to have a stroke, and 1.3 times more likely to have hypertension .. The links with smoking and obesity are well-known. In addition, major weight gain induced by antipsychotics is well established and represents a serious concern (discussed in (15). Although prevalence rates vary widely, the literature reports wide agreement on the increased prevalence of obesity and overweight among people with learning disabilities. Two recent studies of people in contact with primary care services in England and Wales reported rates of 28% and 35%, with the rate for women being 40% in both studies. The high rate for women corresponds with data from other studies, which also show high rates for people living in more independent settings in the community (15). Links with health inequalities and the gap in life expectancy The nature of the relationship between obesity and socioeconomic status is unclear. Obesity may lead to lower socioeconomic status (e.g. through discrimination in hiring-employment) or low economic status may lead to obesity (e.g. through difficulties in sustaining a health promoting diet or adequate levels of physical activity), or there may be other factors that promote both obesity and lower socioeconomic status. “Emerging social trends suggest there may be continued and growing discrimination against obese people, which may reinforce wider social inequalities, and perpetuate a situation where the least well off are also the least well (16). Obesity seems to be stratified by socio-economic group in society e.g. it seems to be the rich in poorer countries and the poor in developed countries that are worst afflicted. As a result, standard awareness interventions may serve to enhance the socioeconomic divide in the UK (similar to what it is thought to have done for smoking). 5 Poor mental health is both a cause and a consequence of social, economic and environmental inequalities. Responses are needed, therefore, at a social as well as individual level. (34) 8. The evidence – links between obesity and the factors that protect and promote mental well-being in the MWIA toolkit. At present there are a limited number of studies available on these links. However, these links could inform the approach we take to obesity interventions in the future. There is a need for further research in this area as it is complex and multi-factorial. The findings of some studies are summarised in Table 1. Table 1. Summary of evidence of the links between obesity and mental wellbeing 6 Wellbeing Factors Control Skills & attributes –sense of control, belief in own capabilities Evidence/suggested evidence Knowledge of healthy Financial security Employment Unhealthy weight control practices. Also see exercise and food evidence next page. Strong inverse relationship between obesity and socioeconomic status (18) Some evidence of prejudice against hiring obese individuals as well as pay discrimination against overweight women and discrimination against obese individuals in the workplace (19) Resilience Emotional wellbeing –self esteem Cognitive functioning e.g. relationships with others Social networks Learning and development Access to green space Binge eating and depression may contribute to weight gain and obesity, which, in turn, may negatively affect mood (17) Some research has shown that the co-occurrence of obesity and chronic illness is associated with significant impairments in emotional well being Obesity has been linked to poor self esteem and body image (20) A study on a family-based behavioural treatment (FBBT) for childhood obesity in a clinical setting in the UK found a ↓ in BMI and self-esteem and depression improved significantly . Qualitative research on WATCH IT: a community based programme for obese children and adolescents (included clinics and sport sessions) indicated significant appreciation of the service, with reported increase in self-confidence and friendships, and reduction in self-harm (23). Obesity may have profound consequences for later social functioning e.g. one study found that women who were obese in late adolescence were less likely seven years later to be married, and had less education and lower incomes than did non-obese individuals (24). Negative stereotypes associated with overweight are evident in children and may have significant implications for social development during adolescence (13) One study found that women who were obese in late adolescence were less likely seven years later to be married, and had less education. Obesity is negatively correlated with education and socioeconomic status (22, 24). Maller, Townsend, Pryor, Brown and St Leger argue in their recent review that the individual and community benefits arising from contact with nature include biological, mental, social, environmental and economic outcomes. Therefore, “nature can be seen as an under-utilised public resource in terms of human health and well-being, with the use of parks and natural areas offering a potential goldmine for population health promotion” (25, 26). Participation 7 Sense of belonging Access to services e.g. cost Economic Inclusion Positive identities Obese children are often the victims of social stigmatisation and obese children themselves endorse negative stereotypes of obese individuals (27) Studies have demonstrated bias by healthcare providers toward obese patients by dietitians, psychologists, nurses, medical students and physicians. These attitudes may have critical implications for whether obese individuals seek needed health care, as well as the quality of the care they receive (24,,28,29), Strong inverse relationship between obesity and socioeconomic status (18,24) Strong inverse relationship between obesity and socioeconomic status (18,24) Cultural norms and pressures –A study by Crocker and Cornwell noted that “the stigma attached obesity is related to a response to appearance-related aspects of overweight, which are markedly discrepant from western cultural preferences for a slim and fit body type, and to judgements about character traits attributed to obese individuals (e.g. overweight people are lazy, gluttonous, or lack willpower.” (30) Obese adults face intense prejudice, although women are more likely to be stigmatised for being obese (30) Tolerance Some research suggests teenagers are at risk of victimisation by peers and may be less likely to develop romantic attachments (31) Challenging stigma Obese adults face intense prejudice, although women are more likely to be stigmatised for obesity (32) This stigma has been related to a response to appearance-related aspects of overweight, which are discrepant from western cultural preferences for a slim and fit body type, and to judgements about character traits attributed to obese individuals (e.g. overweight people are lazy, gluttonous or lack will power). Therefore, it is often assumed that obese individuals are responsible for their weight problems, which may promote self-blame and exacerbate distress (30). Discrimination “Emerging social trends suggest there may be continued and growing discrimination against obese people, which may reinforce wider social inequalities, and perpetuate a situation where the least well off are also the least well.” (16) Strong inverse relationship between obesity and socioeconomic status (18,24) Health inequalities 8 9. Evidence - What we know about exercise and food and well-being 9.1 Exercise There is substantial evidence identifying a causal link between physical activity and reduced clinically defined depression, and comparative studies have demonstrated that exercise can be as effective as medication or psychotherapy. Exercise has been associated with decreased anxiety, decreased depression, enhanced mood, improved self-worth, and body image, as well as improved cognitive functioning. Biddle S., Fox K., Boutcher, S., Faulkner, G. (2000) The Way Forward For Physical Activity And The Promotion of Psychological Well-Being, in Biddle S., Fox K., Boutcher, S., eds Physical Activity And The Promotion of Psychological Well-Being London: Routledge. Department of Health (2004) At Least Five A Week: Evidence On The Impact Of Physical Activity And Its Relationship To Health, London: Department Of Health. Mental Health Foundation (2005) Exercise and depression Exercise referral and the treatment of mild or moderate depression Information for GPs and healthcare practitioners, London: Mental Health Foundation. 9.2 Food A healthy diet is vital to decrease the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other common physical problems. There is also growing evidence suggesting that good nutrition may be just as important for our mental health and that there is a role it can play in the treatment and care of people with mental health problems. For example, a number of conditions, including depression and Attention Deficit Disorder may be influenced by dietary factors. Mental Health Foundation (2007) Healthy eating and depression How diet may help protect your mental health, London: Mental Health Foundation. Mental Health Foundation (2006) Feeding Minds: the impact of food on mental health, London: Mental Health Foundation. 9.3 nef’s model of well-being - physical activity, healthy eating and mental health The Big Lottery Fund Well-being programme has funded programmes across England that improve well-being through addressing physical activity, healthy eating and mental health. The New Economic Foundation is undertaking the evaluation of the programme and developed a model to inform the approach, as detailed in the Well-being Matters Issue 1 research and policy briefing. Along with the three strands of the Well-Being Programme (physical activity, healthy eating and mental health) personal and social well-being assets is also seen as being central to the Programme. This is shown in figure 1. 9 Figure 1 – model of well-being Mental health Personal Well-being assets Physical activity Healthy Eating Social Well-being assets The important thing about this model is that each element within it interacts with others. As a result a project working to improve one element can expect to have positive impacts in other areas too, particularly with regards to personal and social well-being assets. For example a project aiming to improve eating habits, may lead to improvements in self-esteem and stronger social ties. Perhaps more importantly, there is also evidence that these changes at the assets level may be important in ensuring the sustainability of changes at the strand level (33). -Being Matters research and policy briefing as part of the national evaluation of the Well-being and Changing Spaces programmes, Issue 1. 10. The approach taken in healthy weight programmes is important in terms of the potential well-being impact. Our circle below highlights that individual interventions that adopt an inclusive approach to healthy weight and obesity that empowers individuals and takes into account the links between wellbeing and obesity are more likely to have a positive outcome. Inclusion and empowerment will support self esteem, lead to higher motivation and participation and adoption of healthier lifestyles. 10 Positive Approach to Obesity Programmes will improve wellbeing. Interventions that are inclusive, empowering and increase confidence Support behaviour change High self esteem, worth and efficacy High motivation and participation Negative Approach to Obesity Programmes. Interventions that exclude, label, individualise and disempower will have a negative impact on wellbeing Label stigma Low self esteem, worth and efficacy Inability to change behaviour Low motivation and not able to participate Conversely taking an approach that doesn’t take into account these factors and leaves individuals feeling excluded, labelled, individualised and disempowered is less likely to have a positive outcome. Stigma will lead to poor self esteem, low motivation and low participation which do not support 11 11. Mental Well-being Impact Assessment Training: North West Obesity Programme Case Studies A 3 day MWIA training course was commissioned by the North West Healthy Weight Framework Group, DH and CSIP NW in order to build knowledge, expertise and best practice in addressing mental well-being as a key determinant of obesity, in line with NICE guidance. The training offered an opportunity for four self-selected teams (of 3 people each) to assess the potential impact of their Obesity Strategy or programme in order to improve its effectiveness in addressing well-being. Below are the case study proformas of the MWIAs that were carried out during the training. Blackpool MWIA Case study Area Subject for MWIA Why did you select this for an MWIA Blackpool Family-based intervention – part of obesity-care pathway. Intervention is delivered in a club format which is accessible to families with parents and/or children that are overweight or obese. The programme will last for 12 weeks, during which families will be supported to make lifestyle changes. It is a new initiative and definitive decisions have not yet been made on the format of sessions, method of delivery and venue and the MWIA formed part of the consultation process for deciding on how best to proceed. How did you do your MWIA? The then PCT lead for obesity and the lead for mental health promotion carried out the screening and scoping exercises and the community profiling. Information was also gathered through a stakeholder workshop with representation from a number of relevant services including, Dietetics, Health Visiting and Leisure Services. What worked well? The workshop was very well-attended and there was a good mix of services present, including Commissioning. The ice breaker stimulated lots of debate and this interaction continued in the group work sessions. What worked less well? More time should have been allocated for the group work and initially, it was difficult to explain the role of the protective factors. It would also have been good to have representation from the client group that this intervention would be offered to. What has been the outcome for the MWIA? The recommendations will be fed back to the person responsible for commissioning this service. There were distinct issues relating to access and the way the intervention would be delivered and promoted and these can be addressed through the commissioning process. Any other comments? How does MWIA link with the obesity agenda –how can it be beneficial in progressing your work? MWIA enables stakeholders to look at the issue of obesity in a wider context. The act of undertaking this process helps establish the links between mental wellbeing, obesity and potential interventions and enables people to modify their services, strategies and policies so that they do not look at obesity as a single, independent issue that can be addressed separately from the other factors that impact on people’s health and wellbeing. 12 Knowsley MWIA Case study proforma Area Subject for MWIA Why did you select this for an MWIA How did you do your MWIA? Knowsley. Knowsley has recently published ‘early years healthy eating guidelines’ aimed at the early years settings (under 4yrs) within the borough. This aimed to assess the impact of the guidelines on the children, their parents and the staff from each setting. As we were taking part in an MWIA training programme and had a short time frame in which to implement a workshop it was a relatively simple project for us to investigate and to learn from. We intend to use the MWIA process on a major National Programme which has local impact potential later in the year. Workshop Agenda: 1. LUNCH 12.301.15 2. Welcome, introductions, ice breakers 1.151.25 3. Outline policy (ensure all have a copy) 1.251.40 4. Community Profile, what do we mean by 1.40mental health & wellbeing. 1.50 Exercise 1.502.05 5. What is the process of MHIA - how can 2.05this influence the implementation of the policy 2.15 6. BREAK 7. TASK 1 8. TASK 2 9. Feedback 10. Summarise and close 2.152.30 2.303.05 3.053.35 3.353.50 3.504.00 10 mins 15 mins 10 mins 15 mins 10 mins 15 mins 35 mins 30 mins 15 mins 10 mins Followed the tool kit. What worked well? We invited 18 people and ended up with only 8 on the day including ourselves (so 5 additional attendees). Although we initially thought this would be a bad thing it worked out much better as we were able to run the session in a very relaxed and informal way and there was much more opportunity for discussion. It also worked well just having professionals attending (although parents and service users had been invited) as we felt some of their knowledge and opinions may have been intimidating for community members. We thought it may be beneficial to have separate workshops for community and professionals. 13 What worked less well? We had a very low response rate to the invitation – many staff saying they did not feel it was relevant for them to attend. When we run an MWIA again, we will need to put effort into recruiting staff and stressing the importance of mental wellbeing in all our roles. What has been the outcome for the MWIA? It is recommended that for the guidelines to have a positive impact that the communication and implementation plan of the document is carefully considered. The workshop highlighted that unless the managers of the nurseries fully accept the guidelines and ensured that staff would be able to implement the new guidelines (for example providing healthy food at lunch etc), it is likely to cause a negative effect on trust and control factors. Therefore it is important that when the guidelines are promoted that nursery managers fully understand and accept the implications of these polices. To do this it is recommended that nurseries receive oneto-one visits to talk through the process and explain the contents of the guidelines. This can be done via existing oral health and community cooks team visits and by arranging appointments with centre managers. It is important that the staff within the nurseries feel skilled and understand the reasons that the guidelines are being adopted, and are able to explain to parents the implications of the guidelines. It is recommended that the staff have an opportunity to develop their knowledge of the importance of healthy eating for children under 5 years. This can be accomplished via the target wellbeing pre school nutrition project to develop nutrition training for early years staff. In order to protect the control factor for parents it is important that they have the opportunity to consult on how the guidelines are adopted within their child’s nursery. It is recommended that nurseries provide an opportunity to collect the views and /or concerns of parents before the policy is implemented. Any other comments? How does MWIA link with the obesity agenda –how can it be beneficial in progressing your work? Mental wellbeing underpins all aspects of health and the choices people make about their lifestyles. Understanding how to maximise positive changes and minimise potential negative effects can only be a good thing! Wigan MWIA Case study proforma Area Subject for MWIA –please give a brief Wigan We were planning on conducting the MWIA on a pilot project – routine feedback of National Weighing and Measuring Programme results to parents. 14 description including community profile Why did you select this for an MWIA How did you do your MWIA? Unfortunately we came across some barriers locally in terms of time, other priorities of members of the NCMP group and perhaps some lack of understanding from partners about the potential benefits. What worked well? What worked less well? What has been the outcome for the MWIA? Any other comments? How does MWIA link with the obesity agenda –how can it be beneficial in progressing your work? Despite the fact that we did not do the full MWIA with a wider group. We found the sessions very beneficial, and found completing table 1, p.29 risk and protective factors for mental well being, and tables 2a-d very useful in exploring our proposed pilot in a wider sense with considerations we would have overlooked had we not conducted the exercise. The programme report summaries the following benefits from the work: Impact of the MWIA healthy weight capacity building programme: Built MWIA capability for teams within four localities in the North West – increasing knowledge and skills. Increased awareness of the links between obesity and well-being for participating practitioners and wider stakeholders. Production of a well-being and healthy weight briefing paper will inform wider learning and development. The programme increased networking between localities. 15 Three teams screened local services for their impact on mental wellbeing. Two teams facilitated a rapid impact assessment. Increased stakeholders engagement in service development and improvement. Improvement recommendations are being taken forward on the commissioning and delivery of a local family based intervention services. Improvements are now being made to a local child healthy eating guidance. Mental well-being impacts of a local pilot project on routine feedback of the National Weighing and Measuring Programme results to parents were identified through a screening assessment. Plans were made to undertake further MWIA in order to improve services. The benefits of Mental Well-being Impact Assessment to the healthy weight management and obesity agenda: The process will refocus services on the core determinants and priorities for mental well-being. The MWIA toolkit is very applicable to the obesity agenda and can be applied in a variety of ways by local practitioners to improve services. The MWIA process can usefully inform the commissioning of healthy weight programmes, including developing evidence based practice, engaging stakeholders, service monitoring, developing indicators. MWIA offers a broad and applicable set of well-being factors and determinants (control, resilience, participation, inclusion) including social determinants and the assessment of equalities issues. 16 List of references 1. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). (December 2006). NICE clinical guideline 43 Obesity: guidance on the prevention, identification, assessment and management of overweight and obesity in adults and children. 2. Coggins T, Cooke A, Friedli L, Nicholls J, Scott-Samuel A and Stansfield J (2007). The Mental Well-being Impact Assessment Toolkit. Care Services Improvement Partnership, North West. 3. New Economics Foundation. 4. WHO. (2001). 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Healthy nature healthy people: ‘contact with nature’ as an upstream health promotion intervention for populations. Health Promotion International 21(1):45-54. Also Health Promotion International Advance Access published online December 22, 2005 pp1-26. 18 26. Morris, N. (2003). Health, Well-Being and Open Space Literature Review. OPENspace Research Centre, Edinburgh College of Art/Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland. 27. Counts CR, Jones C, Frame CL, Jarvie GJ, Strauss CC. (1986). The perception of obesity by normal-weight versus school-age children. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 17:113-120. 28. Sarlio-Lahteenkorva S, Stunkard A, Rissanen A. (1995). Psychosocial factors and quality of life in obesity. Int J Obes 19:S1-S5. 29. Teachman B. A., Brownell K. D. (2001). PAPER- Implicit anti-fat bias among health professionals: is anyone immune? Int J Obesity 25:15251531. 30. Crocker J., Cornwell B., Major B. T. (1993). 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