More than half the population in Bucks is overweight – so what is being done to trim our expanding waistlines?
Eating too much fast food and increasingly sedentary lifestyles are having a devastating impact on general health.
And the problems are starting at an early age with over 30% of 10-11 year olds in Bucks now classified overweight or obese.
The revelations are contained in a report undertaken by Bucks County Council, the district councils and the NHS.
Patricia Birchley, Buckinghamshire’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “It is really challenging to help children eat well and be active enough to keep healthy.
The availability of fast food, changing family eating patterns, screen time and social media all take a toll.”
She said schools were being helped with their school meal provision.
In addition Chef Clubs teach cooking skills to children and their families and emphasis the importance of sitting and eating together away from the TV.
For people struggling with their weight, GPs can refer them into weight loss programmes such as Weight Watchers or Rosemary Conley free of charge.
Cllr Birchley said: “In addition we promote being active to help maintain weight loss, through our Simply walk programme which offers over 50 led health walks a month. Or through the Reactivate Bucks campaign which signposts people to a wide variety of sports or activities, from competition level to beginner or taster courses.”