Key fact
Smoking, poor diets, low activity, and alcohol are major underlying causes of disease and disability and are the most significant drivers of health inequalities.
%
16% of adults smoke – rates falling
%
22% of adults are obese – rates stable
%
52% of adults are not active enough – rates stable
%
25% of adults drink unhealthily - rates stable
%
7000-9000 residents use illegal drugs - rates for opiates falling
%
0.7% of adults have tried new psycho- active substances (legal highs)
%
26% of adults have three or more life- style risk factors
Key information
- Smoking rates in most areas of Stockport are falling, the priority is therefore inequality, as rates in deprived areas and certain vulnerable groups (such as those with mental health problems) remain more than twice the average.
- Alcohol consumption rates are no longer rising but the impacts on health are still significant and felt disproportionately in the most deprived areas. Stockport has especially poor outcomes for liver disease, caused by both alcohol and obesity.
- More than 200 deaths a year in Stockport could be saved if every adult met the target of 5 x 30 minutes moderate activity a week.
- Lifestyle behaviours cluster so that a third of adults have three or more lifestyle risks.
Key issues for commissioners
- Increase levels of physical activity as an effective preventative action at any age.
- Prioritise a whole systems approach to reducing smoking, alcohol consumption and obesity.
- Deliver services and support that are holistic, as people have combinations of lifestyle issues.
- Improve the physical health and lifestyles of those with serious mental health conditions.
- Give equal weight to mental wellbeing as a key determinant of physical health and independence; especially for people of working age.
- Support healthy ageing and preventative approaches across Stockport.