The council also noted that the rise of online food delivery apps and children's easy access to them, can make it even more challenging to tackle the obesity crisis. Southend has 219 fast-food outlets, above the national average per population and these are concentrated among the most deprived areas of the city.
Latest figures show that 22.7% of four- to five-year-olds in Southend were overweight or obese before even starting school. This rises to 33.8% by Year six with rates notably higher among low-income families.
The council also agreed a wide-ranging childhood obesity strategy, aimed at encouraging and improving diet and nutrition, increasing physical activity and taking further steps to reshape some of the unhealthier food environment.
Councillor Maxine Sadza, cabinet member for social care and healthier communities, said: “Childhood obesity is one of the biggest public health issues facing Southend, and the UK.
“We are looking at a whole range of preventative measures to tackle this, from healthy eating and menus in primary schools, to increased physical activity through our leisure centres, as well as targeted support for the most vulnerable communities, such as weight management in our family centres.
“We know how challenging it can be to provide healthy meals at home for low-income families and that there is a higher proportion of fast-food outlets within these communities. The rise of online food delivery apps can make it even more challenging to make healthier choices after a tough day of work or looking after families.”