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In England alone, nearly a quarter of men and women are now obese. The trends for children are even more cause for concern, with 18 per cent of two to 15 year olds currently obese and a further 14 per cent overweight.

The strategy supports the creation of a healthy society, from early years, to schools and food, sport, transport and healthcare. 

The DoH will spend £75 million on a marketing campaign designed to support and empower parents to make changes to their children's diet and increase levels of physical activity.

A number of ‘healthy towns' will also be created at a cost of £30 million. These will feature extensive cycle routes and pedestrian areas. 

Announcing the strategy in central London yesterday, health secretary Alan Johnson said that tacking obesity was one of the key government priorities for this year.

‘The government has a duty to support people in leading healthier lifestyles,' he said.

sanjay.tanday@haymarket.com

DoH anti-obesity strategy

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