Obesity and cardiovascular risk factors: results of a unique approach to NHS health checks

Using health check data gathered from a single London borough, Kate Wilkinson, Elizabeth Sarah Bryant and Katrina Heal evaluate risk factors in the population including obesity, cardiovascular disease and alcohol dependencyThe aim of the study was to evaluate health check data from an inner London borough. Haringey have taken a unique approach to NHS health checks, pairing up with the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation (THF) to offer the health checks outside of traditional GP surgeries. Between March 2014 and July 2015, 3000 health checks were carried out by the THF community health check practitioner at 25 locations in the east of the Borough. The whole group data (n=2254) were analysed, comprising of 23.4% females (50.2±8.0 years) and 76.6% males (49.4±8.0 years). Alcohol consumption in males was significantly greater in the underweight compared to all other BMI groups. The underweight/normal BMI groups had significantly lower total cholesterol levels than the overweight/obese. Blood glucose levels were significantly lower in the underweight compared to overweight/obese. QRISK2 score was significantly lower in normal and underweight compared to overweight/obese males. Blood glucose levels and QRISK2 were significantly greater in the inactive/moderately inactive groups compared to the active groups. Interventions must be sought to address diet and activity in the borough, particularly in the 40–60-year-old age group. Females and the underweight should not be forgotten.