Scheme to tackle obesity in children

AN activity scheme aimed at tackling childhood obesity has been launched in the south east as it emerged one-in-three youngsters there is overweight and one in twelve obese.

The programme focuses on educating parents in the hope they will encourage children to eat healthily and become more active.

A study by the South Eastern Health Board (SEHB) revealed 8% of children between nine and 11 are clinically obese, and another 33% are overweight. 55% have a TV in their bedroom, while 75% are dropped to school by car.