Inspiration from the continent to tackle obesity

Dundee has been chosen to take part in a £1.4m programme to tackle obesity in Scotland.

The city will host one of eight pilot schemes inspired by a continental project that has cut childhood obesity in participating towns by almost a quarter.

“Our Healthy Weight Communities will follow their lead by bringing whole towns together to get more active and eat more healthily.”

The scheme; ‘Healthy Weight Communities’ aims to encourage people to embrace sensible eating and physical activity as part of everyday life. Families and young people will be encouraged to get involved in a range of activities from breastfeeding support groups to walking clubs and local gala days.

Public Health Minister and Dundee East MSP Shona Robison said, “Tackling obesity is a high priority for this government. That’s why we are investing £56m over three years to improve diet, increase physical activity and reduce obesity.”

The new scheme was inspired by two French projects which showed participating towns reversing obesity trends. Childhood obesity and maternal weight gain were cut over eight years while “control” towns saw both rise.

“The French experience can teach us valuable lessons,” Mr Robison said. “Our Healthy Weight Communities will follow their lead by bringing whole towns together to get more active and eat more healthily.

“They will do this by targeting people in local settings such as schools, shops, parks and community centres and bringing together existing programmes with new innovative approaches.

“We recognise that this is a long-term problem that needs long-term solutions.

“I am determined that, by working together with our partners, we will lead the way in tackling obesity and supporting people to make changes in their daily routine that will make a long-lasting difference.”

Dundee City Council will oversee co-ordination of the programme and partnerships including the council, NHS, voluntary organisations and the private sector will be responsible for delivery.

Bob Duncan, convener of the leisure and communities committee, said, “I am delighted Dundee has been chosen as one of the eight Scottish pilots that will encourage healthier eating and more exercise among families and young children in the city.

“The council and its partners put in a considerable amount of effort getting the bid together and now that we have secured funding I am sure we will continue to show the same level of commitment.”

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