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Government fund to reduce childhood obesity |
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Monday, 14 April 2008 |
A £6m government fund aimed at combating childhood obesity was announced today by Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon.
It is aimed at helping about 20,000 obese and overweight children across Scotland. The funding will be distributed to health boards charged with creating family-focused healthy weight reducing programmes for children aged 5 to 15.
Children will be given practical and educational sessions promoting physical activity and healthy eating, which intend to address the psychological, social and behavioural causes of weight gain.
Speaking at an international summit held today and tomorrow at the Balmoral Hotel on tackling child obesity, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:
“While the growing problem of obesity - and in particular childhood obesity - is affecting all sectors of society more and more, we know that the health impacts can be a particular problem in deprived areas.
“Chronic health conditions associated with obesity such as coronary heart disease are more prevalent in deprived communities. Yet it is those who are living in less affluent areas who are more likely to find it difficult to access affordable healthy foods and have opportunities to be active.
“Improving the health and wellbeing of populations and tackling the social determinants of health inequalities is a common challenge across Europe and North America and we need to keep our minds open to the best possible solutions.”
Politicians and health professionals from across the UK, Europe and North America are attending the conference. Sturgeon added: “We want to learn from experiences and best practice elsewhere, and showcase the actions we have taken to tackle these challenges.
“That is why I am delighted today to welcome to Scotland senior representatives from other governments across the UK, Europe and North America to share ideas about how we can improve health and tackle inequalities.”
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Last Updated ( Monday, 14 April 2008 )
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