Mums and toddlers targeted in obesity drive

25 Jun 2008

Pregnant women and toddlers are among those to be targeted in a £40 million obesity campaign in Scotland.

As part of the drive, expectant mothers and children under the age of five who live in deprived areas will be given fruit and vegetable vouchers, along with advice on healthier eating.

The Scottish government has announced that a fifth of its population are clinically obese, costing the NHS £200 million annually.

Public health minister Shona Robison said that the move will benefit mothers, babies and toddlers as their nutrition will be improved and ill health reduced as a result.

However, Labour health spokeswoman Margaret Curran told the Sunday Mail that the initiative is "half-hearted".

"It is disappointing that it could 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."

A government Foresight report - Tackling Obesity: Future Choices - has predicted that the number of under 20 year olds who are obese will rise from 10% to 15% by 2025.

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