Childhood obesity issue improving, insist experts

Sep 4 2007 by David Higgerson, Liverpool Daily Post

HEALTH experts say they are confident more children are taking up exercise, after research showed just a fifth of Merseyside’s youngsters are doing enough to ward off obesity.

Yesterday, the Daily Post revealed only one in five 14- and 15-year-olds could confirm they had done strenuous exercise three times a week recently.

That is the level of exercise medics believe is required to stave off obesity – and as a result the number of overweight young people will continue to grow.

But last night experts said the situation is improving.

John Marsden, head of Liverpool’s Active City programme, which is tasked with encouraging people to exercise, said: “Whilst in Liverpool we appreciate there is still room for improvement, we are very much encouraged by a recent survey carried out in city schools which has shown a marked increase in the number of children participating in school activity.

“The next step will be to encourage children to be more active outside of school time, and innovations such as the free leisure pass to all Liverpool children allied to Active City supported programmes, such as Sportslinx.”

Dr Paula Grey, head of public health in Liverpool, said: “Currently 1 in 5 children entering secondary school are obese and Liverpool PCT is working extremely hard with our partners to reduce this number.

“Our Taste for Health scheme is designed to make healthy food more accessible through education and support in our communities.

“The Liverpool Active City strategy aims to provide the opportunity for the people of Liverpool to participate in physical activity if they desire.”

Schools are also being asked to further improve their school meals to make them even healthier. The Government yesterday announced an extra £150m to help meet that aim.

Halton Council was one of the first in the country to introduce free fruit for the under-sevens.

There are now free salad bars in primary schools, the prices of healthier items in secondary schools have been reduced, and initiatives like Baked Potato Week have been introduced at some schools.

Cllr Phil Harris, executive board member for school meals, said: “Halton has one of the best school meals service in the country and is even bucking the national trend in encouraging youngsters to accept healthier meals.

“It is working well because we have invested time and effort into the service, and particular thanks go to the dinner ladies and other school staff.”

Vending machines were removed from school premises a number of years ago and there are a number of pre-school breakfast clubs offering pupils the chance of a healthy breakfast before they start their lessons.

THE DEBATE: P18-19

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