Move to tackle obesity problem
A NEW service is to be established in Bolton to deal with childhood obesity.
Youngsters who are overweight will be encouraged to change their eating habits.
The treatment service will also try to increase physical activity among children, promote healthy eating and improve parenting skills.
It will be launched over the next few months and health trainers will be appointed in 16 areas across the borough.
The move follows the publication of figures last week revealing one in four children under the age of 11 in Bolton are obese or overweight, while almost 30 per cent of four and five year olds desperately need to lose weight. Adults, too, will be helped to make lifestyle changes and a community weight management service is being developed for people with complex or long-standing problems of obesity.
A healthy schools programme is already up and running, which promotes healthy eating and exercise.
There is a five-a-day campaign to encourage people to eat more fruit and vegetables through easier access to fresh produce and food growing schemes and there are now several health walks being run in the borough's parks.
Janet England, head of paediatric dietics at Bolton Primary Care Trust, said: "A lot of advice and support is already in place for the general population through initiatives like healthy schools, the five-a-day intiative and the healthy walks programme.
"Through our food and health team we have been working with local communities for 10 years to support healthy eating as part of a healthier lifestyle.
"There are also clinical services for both children and adults who need more specific input.
"The PCT's public health and service provision teams are working closely together."
Experts are urging parents to make sure their children eat healthily and get plenty of exercise.
Jan Hutchinson, director of public health at Bolton PCT, said: "We're delighted
The Bolton News is highlighting this important issue for health improvement.
"Individuals themselves can do a lot to prevent obesity if they have the right information, incentives and support.
"Getting more physically active is as important as eating sensibly when it comes to losing weight or preventing weight gain.
"We know that health services and other public services also have a significant role to play, and that's why we're planning new investment and developments in both prevention and treatment."
Obesity in the UK 
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