Lib Dems unveil obesity strategy
The Liberal Democrats have announced plans to grade pupils on fitness in a bid to cut growing obesity rates.
The plans, published today, outline proposals for all new teachers to receive PE training in a bid to encourage Britain’s youngsters to exercise more.
“The Government should address the issue of schools assessing and reporting student health and fitness as a core subject alongside more traditional academic subjects,” the report states.
Recent studies have warned that spiralling levels of childhood obesity represent a health “timebomb” for the UK.
The Lib Dems report points out that a key government target to improve levels of exercise for schoolchildren was not reached last year and further action must be taken.
The document recommends a number of new measures such as implementing the Scottish ban on fast food ads on school vending machines across the UK, extending the review of school nutritional standards to tuck shops as well as dinners and introducing two hours compulsory PE a week for every secondary school pupil.
The report also reveals that hospital operations, such as stomach stapling, aimed at tackling chronic obesity have almost doubled from 280 operations a year when Labour came to power to 538 last year.
The report states that the number of hospital procedures treating obesity will be increased to a maximum of 4000 operations a year, under guidance issued by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.
Lib Dem health spokesman Paul Burstow claimed ministers were putting more effort into treating obesity than preventing the condition.
“These figures are a sign of the future,” he said. “It’s not enough to just treat the symptoms of obesity, the causes must also be tackled. “The obesity epidemic is shortening lives and increasing costs to the NHS. It is clear that the demand for surgery and other medical help is set to rocket. The only hope of containing these costs is if a concerted effort is launched to tackle the causes of obesity.”
Mr Burstow called on the government to take immediate action to tackle obesity, including clearer labelling on foods so that consumers can take responsibility for their diet.
