Takeaways to offer healthy food in bid to reduce child obesity
EMMA CURRY
THE county council has pledged to tackle obesity and encourage people to lead a more active and healthy lifestyle.
The Lancashire authority has signed up to the Local Government Declaration on Healthy Weight – a national initiative run together with Food Active.
The declaration sets out action the county council will take to reduce the impact obesity has on communities, the economy, and Lancashire’s health and social care system.
The Lancashire County Council team has agreed to work with food and drink retailers to encourage them to sell products responsibly.
This includes making healthier food and drink options available at shops and takeaways close to schools.
The authority will also ensure healthy food and drink options are available in public buildings such as schools and hospitals and that people can easily access fresh drinking water in more county council-run buildings.
Plans will be developed plans with organisations on the Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board to address the causes and impact of obesity and the council has also promised to limit the promotion of unhealthy food and drinks in and around schools
County councillor Azhar Ali, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Obesity is a serious health issue here in Lancashire, with 66.7 per cent of the county’s population classed as overweight or obese. This is higher than the national average of 64.8pc.
“Adopting the principles of the declaration will provide a focus for our work and help us to do even more to address this important issue.
“For example, we’ll be working with businesses that sell food to ensure that healthy options are available, particularly in fast food outlets that are close to schools and other facilities used by young people.
“We’ll also help people to know more about the food they eat, so that they can make better choices for themselves.
“We’ve already been doing a great deal of work to tackle obesity. Last year we introduced a new service called Active Lives and Healthy Weight. We’ll also continue to work with schools to encourage children to stay fit and well.”