Keeping Active, Healthy Weight and Healthy Lifestyles Survey

The purpose of the survey was to gather views on what supports people to be active, feel healthy, and enjoy activities such as moving more, eating well, and maintaining overall wellbeing. It aimed to improve understanding of the factors that make it easier or more difficult for individuals to be physically active and maintain a healthy lifestyle, the types of support that are most effective, and how local services can be improved.

Public feedback was sought to inform the Health Needs Assessments for Keeping Active and Adult Weight, ensuring that future planning and services reflect the needs of residents.

There were 248 responses, with 224 via our online platform and 24 completed paper surveys. The findings of this survey will be summarised and incorporated into the Health Needs Assessments.

Overall 

• Most respondents recognised the important role physical activity plays in supporting overall health and wellbeing. Awareness of the UK Chief Medical Officer’s guidelines for physical activity was also reported to be high.
• The survey identified a range of barriers and enablers influencing participation in physical activity. Key barriers included health-related factors, while common enablers highlighted by respondents were social support and access to appropriate and accessible resources.
• Many respondents reported a strong level of motivation to increase their physical activity levels
• Most respondents thought that there was a relationship between weight and health, and that this was most influenced by psychological factors and environmental factors and least by genetic and biological factors.
• Most respondents felt that their emotions and food labelling frequently influenced their food and drink choices.
• The survey identified that the biggest factor in accessing food was the cost followed by the time required.

The findings from this survey, alongside additional data and intelligence collected as part of the wider needs assessment and through engagement with key stakeholders, will be used to shape and inform the forthcoming recommendations.

The Health Needs Assessments will be published in Spring 2026. Updates will be shared following publication, outlining how the findings are being used to inform local planning and support actions to help residents lead healthier lives.