Scotland declares war on fat children and mothers

Pregnant women and toddlers have been targeted in a new £40m anti-obesity initiative in Scotland.

Obesity rates north of the border have hit record levels, with around one in five Scots clinically obese. It costs the NHS £200m a year.

And chiefs are determined to tackle it – starting with mums-to-be and under fives in deprived areas.

So what are they planning? Well, half of the budget will be spent on giving away vouchers for fruit and vegetables to help improve their diets.

The rest of the cash will be used to promote exercise schemes and fund a cooking bus which will tour Scotland, giving advice on healthy eating.

So will people in Scotland be queueing for the fun bus in their droves?

Public Health Minister Shona Robison thinks so.

She said:

“If we successfully tackle obesity then we will reduce ill health.

“Mums, babies and toddlers will benefit from better support to ensure they can improve their own and their children’s nutrition.”

But Margaret Curran, Labour health spokeswoman says the initiative does not go far enough.

She said:

“This announcement seems half-hearted.

“It is disappointing that it does not include key SNP manifesto commitments on free fruit for pregnant women, outdoor activities for children from disadvantaged communities and two hours’ PE for all schoolchildren.”

Picture: Morguefile