We’re discussing improving health through better planning and design today (13 November) at the launch of Public Health England’s Healthy People, Healthy Places (HPHP) programme.

Helping to improve the nation’s health through better planning and design to reduce the impact of a poor physical and natural environment is a PHE priority.

Incorporating physical activity into everyday life, such as brisk walking and cycling can be as effective for weight loss as supervised exercise programmes. Creating an environment where people actively choose to walk and cycle as part of everyday life can have a significant effect on public health and reduce inequalities in health. Improving the quality of the food environment around schools can also influence children’s food purchasing habits, and their future diets.

Read the briefing papers:

• Obesity and the environment briefing: increasing physical activity and active travel

• Obesity and the environment briefing: regulating the growth of fast food outlets