Fat chance as Herts unveils schemes to tackle child obesity

And while that is still below the national average, county council health chiefs have unveiled a raft of measures to tackle the problem.

In early years, Herts County Council is building on existing national Healthy Start scheme, offering all Hertfordshire families free healthy vitamins.

All children’s centres have introduced a Healthy Children’s Centre programme, supporting families to lead healthier lifestyles through learning about the importance of healthy eating and being more active, and ensures that all snacks and drinks at the children’s centre are healthy choices.

The county’s primary schools are taking part in the Daily Mile, a free project which involves all pupils running or moving for 15 minutes every day.

And as physical activity significantly drops off in teenage girls, 10 Hertfordshire secondary schools are being given the opportunity to get involved in a Girls Active programme, which increases physical activity at the same time as building self-esteem and resilience.

Councillor Teresa Heritage, cabinet member for public health said: “The commitment to work with all schools is very positive, and the wider partnership working with leisure and hospitals to support healthy eating will help to embed the work of the plan.”

For more information about the initiatives in Hertfordshire to help families lead healthier lifestyles, visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/healthinherts