NHS money to combat weight problems in kids has been cut by more than five per cent
NHS funding to tackle childhood obesity in Forth Valley has been cut by more than five per cent in the last three years.
Official Scottish Government figures show that cash allocated to the local health board to tackle the problem has fallen from £115,581 in 2012-13 to £109,247 in 2015-16.
Figures also show that across Scotland the funding allocated to the NHS for combatting childhood obesity fell by more than £100,000 – from £2 million in 2012-13 to £1.89 million in 2015-16.
In 2015, 15 per cent of children aged between two and 15 were considered at risk of suffering from obesity with a further 13 per cent in danger of being classified overweight.
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Claire Baker blamed the Scottish Government for the fall in the cash allocation, saying “shortsighted SNP cuts will cost the NHS more in the long term”.
She said: “Under the SNP we are seeing yearon-year decreases in Government funding for the NHS to tackle childhood obesity. Meanwhile Scotland is still struggling to tackle the problem and figures show that too many children are going to school at risk of becoming obese or overweight.
“Investing in schemes to tackle childhood obesity is smart spending for the future of our health service. However, short-sighted SNP cuts will just cost our NHS more in the long-term as hospitals have to treat illness associated with obesity.
“We know our NHS isn’t getting the resources it needs from the Scottish Government and this suggests the government’s priorities on spending are all wrong.”
Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford said the Scottish Government was investing in a range of national projects and initiatives to tackle obesity.
“Under this government, 98 per cent of Scottish schools now provide at least two hours or two periods of PE per week, and over 800 primary schools have signed up to the Daily Mile programme, where each pupil walks or runs a mile every day.
“There have also been campaigns and investment to encourage healthy eating and physical activity, as well as pushing the UK government to introduce a ban on alcohol and junk food advertising before the 9pm watershed to protect children from exposure to powerful marketing messages and branding.”
NHS Forth Valley say that they have not stopped delivering any programmes aimed at dealing with childhood obesity and will continue to ensure services are delivered as effectively as possible.
A spokesperson said: “A wide range of actions are being taken forward locally to address childhood obesity.
“This includes work to encourage breast feeding as breast fed babies are healthier and less prone to later obesity than those who are bottle fed. Our health visitors support a number of breastfeeding groups across Forth Valley and will work with parents to promote healthy weaning and healthy childhood diet.
“Anyone who is concerned about their child’s weight and food habits can get advice and support from their local health visitor or GP. This could include advice on healthy play, how to deal with fussy eaters and how to provide a balanced diet.
“Community dieticians and community food workers also provide specialist advice and support to parents of children who are overweight. They also offer a range of healthy eating and cooking courses with a focus on practical options for low income and vulnerable groups.
“In addition, our Health Promotion team INTERACT also run a programme in primary schools called Max in the Middle which is a whole class activity using drama and dance to help children understand the importance of health and fitness including exercise and diet.
“The project lasts one week and engages the children in exploration and reflection of the issues around healthy eating, physical activity and self image. It has boosted confidence, increased awareness and knowledge of healthy eating and has proved extremely popular.”