HC Deb 17 July 2003 vol 409 cc632-3W
Mr. Paul Marsden

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the relationship between rates of obesity in children and levels of physical activity. [122389]

Miss Melanie Johnson

The effective prevention and management of obesity requires an integrated, cross-government approach, working with a range of partners on programmes to improve diet and increase physical activity levels.

In the five years between 1996 and 2001, the proportion of obese children aged six to 15 years rose by 3.5 per cent. Over the same period physical activity levels have fallen due to a combination of factors and four in ten boys and six in 10 girls are not meeting the recommended hour a day of physical activity for children.

Lower levels of activity in daily life are likely to have contributed to the rise in obesity. Physical activity levels in developed countries appear to have fallen due to a combination of factors—including greater use of cars for short journeys, lower sports participation, and greater access to television and computers and other sedentary activities.

To ensure that there is a co-ordinated and strategic approach to the planning and delivery of sport and physical activity across a diverse range of sectors—such as transport, countryside management and town planning—a sport and physical activity board (SPAB) has been established. The Board is to be jointly led by the Department of Health and Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

Another key project in our programme of work are the local exercise action pilots (LEAP) which we jointly fund with Sport England and the Countryside Agency. LEAP will test the effectiveness of primary care trust led interventions to increase access and levels of physical activity in communities based in Neighbourhood Renewal Areas. Activities range from walking, cycling and swimming, to clinical-based programmes that are focusing on diabetes and weight management.

Mr. Paul Marsden

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps have been taken in Shrewsbury and Atcham to reduce obesity in children in Shrewsbury and Atcham. [126639]

Dr. Ladyman

The Government are committed to tackling the rising trend in childhood obesity. The prevention and management of obesity are at the heart of many of the Government's priority areas, as highlighted in the NHS Plan and national service frameworks (NSF) particularly those outlining action on coronary heart disease and diabetes. The forth coming NSF for children will address the health and social care needs of all children and will include the promotion of healthy eating and physical activity. A two pronged approach is being taken, addressing both overweight and obesity prevention and management at national, regional and local level.

Shropshire County Primary Care Trust is involved in a number of initiatives. These include: A Family Food Project to promote healthy lifestyles and healthy eating among children; The Healthy School Initiative which promotes healthy eating and physical activity in schools; The Free Fruit Scheme which involves 82 per cent, of eligible schools; and A Walking Bus Pilot Project at Westbury school which is encouraging children to walk to school.