Whole Systems Approach

Obesity is one of the biggest public health challenges in Northern Ireland (N.I). Around one in five children and more than half of adults live with overweight and obesity. In Belfast the prevalence for adults is similar to N.I. as a whole, however slightly higher for children. (click here for the Area Obesity Profile for Belfast). These numbers reflect real lives shaped by the places we live, the support we receive, and the opportunities available.

Why adopt the Whole System Approach?

A Whole Systems Approach (WSA) shifts the focus away from individuals and puts an emphasis on improving the systems within which people are born, grow, live, work and age.

For more information on this approach please click on the video.

 

In our city we call WSA to obesity “Healthier Systems 4 Healthier Weight Belfast.” These are our achievements to date:

 Key Milestones

• The Belfast Leadership Group was established in November 2023.
• Secured senior-level support and established necessary governance within the Belfast Community Plan.
• Raised awareness in Belfast of the ethos of Whole Systems Approach.
• Built partnerships and looked at what is currently happening to support the implementation of this new approach. This work is ongoing as we engage with new partners.
  If you want to add current or future interventions click the link  or scan the QR code below. Click here for Completing Action Mapping Guidance Document.

• Facilitated a stakeholder workshop in partnership with Queens University Belfast (QUB) in developing a systems map for Belfast (click here for Belfast Integrated Map Summary).

A summary of the key findings is available, click here for key findings..

• We are currently translating the systems mapping into actionable steps turning a vast amount of research into a clear action plan for implementation. This plan will act as our roadmap to align local resources with regional and local priorities and policies (e.g. health, poverty, infrastructure, climate, sport, education and others).
• We are currently establishing a Healthier Systems 4 Healthier Weight Belfast working group from those partners that have supported us through building the foundations and who will support finalising and implementation of the action plan.

“A Whole Systems Approach is essential to improving population health and reducing health inequalities – it recognises that no single organisation, policy or individual action can solve the issue on its own. Instead, it focuses on how different parts of society work together – from local councils and health services to planners, transport providers, schools, employers and community organisations – to influence everyday health.”

Emily Roberts, Interim Director of Nursing, Midwifery and AHP, Public Health Agency NI.
She added “vulnerable groups are disproportionately affected by these issues, with inequalities stemming from birthplaces, ethnicity, and employment status”.

 

By addressing the economic and social factors that impact weight throughout a person’s life, the HS4HW Belfast aims to create fairer, healthier communities.

How to get involved

If you would like to get involved in Healthier Systems 4 Healthier Weight Belfast or if you would like more information, please get in touch by email mlbt@bhdu.org