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Talking About Healthy Weight & Disability with Disabled People in Stockton

An overhead birds eye view of a basketball court. Four male wheelchair users are in frame playing basketball.

Summary

Read the full report about the research we did for Stockton on Tees public health about the involvement of disabled people in healthy eating initiatives.

Table of Contents

Summary

This report was conducted on behalf of Public Health Stockton-on-Tees as part of a local health needs assessment. Its purpose was to better understand barriers preventing disabled people from achieving a healthy weight. Key findings include:

  • Limited Access: Healthy lifestyle services, including sports facilities and healthy food, face significant structural barriers.
  • Social and Cultural Barriers: Feelings of embarrassment, self-consciousness, and fear of judgment discourage participation.
  • Exclusion in Schools: Young disabled people are often excluded from universal sport and health activities.
  • Lack of Representation: Publicity rarely includes disabled people, reducing positive reinforcement.
  • Transportation Issues: Costs and accessibility issues discourage attendance.
  • Cost of Healthy Food: Many disabled people cannot afford healthy food due to fixed incomes and high costs.

Download the full report (PDF)

 

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