Introducing the Food Active podcast

Launched in November 2022, the Food Active Podcast explores how we can collectively promote healthy weight by addressing the social, environmental, economic, and legislative factors that shape our lifestyle choices. Through insightful conversations with a diverse range of stakeholders, including local authority public health teams, schools, community groups, researchers, and policymakers, the podcast shares best practice and sparks dialogue on the most pressing public health issues of the day.

To date, the podcast has covered a wide range of topics, including:

• Oral health and its connection to broader public health concerns.
• The influence of food policy on our everyday choices.
• The role of ultra-processed food in early years nutrition, a critical issue for long-term health outcomes.
• The concerning rise of energy drink consumption among young people and its health impacts.
• Promoting active travel as a sustainable and health-enhancing mode of transport.

Notable speakers who have shared their insights on the podcast include the Obesity Health Alliance, First Steps Nutrition Trust, Blackburn with Darwen Councillor Julie Gunn, Dr. Amelia Lake, and Dr. Robin Ireland. Each episode brings expert knowledge and evidence-based discussions to the forefront of public health.

In addition to these core topics, the podcast has recently expanded to cover:

• Summer of Sport Sponsorship: What is the impact on public health? – Examining how sports sponsorship by junk food and alcohol brands influences public health, particularly for young people.
• Evaluating the impact of dark kitchens on the food environment – Investigating the rise of online-only restaurants and their impact on food quality and local food choices.
• Promoting active travel with Sustrans: School Streets – Discussing how closing streets to cars during school drop-off and pick-up times encourages walking, cycling, and wheeling, while creating safer environments for children.
• Shining the spotlight on healthier food: Knowsley and Sefton’s local healthier advertising policy – Highlighting local authority efforts to promote healthier food options by restricting junk food advertising in public spaces.
• Children and young people’s consumption of energy drinks: What does the latest evidence tell us? – Delving into the latest research on the impact of high-caffeine, high-sugar energy drinks on the health and wellbeing of young people.
• Location, location, location: Are retailers adhering to the junk food marketing locations legislation? – Assessing how well retailers are complying with new regulations on junk food marketing in prime locations, such as checkouts and store entrances.
• Ultra-processed diets in the early years: Unpacking the concerns with First Steps Nutrition Trust – Exploring the impact of ultra-processed foods on the health of young children and the importance of early intervention.
• How is Blackburn with Darwen tackling rates of tooth decay? – A closer look at how one local authority is addressing high rates of tooth decay through public health initiatives.

The Food Active Podcast is a platform for innovative ideas, evidence-based solutions, and collaborative discussions on how we can create healthier environments for all. Whether you’re a public health professional, policymaker, or simply interested in the issues that shape our health, there’s something for everyone.

. If you’d like to appear as a guest or have a specific topic you’d like to hear discussed, please email chloe.higham-smith@heg.org.uk.