Special help for overweight children

One in five 11-year-olds is obese

A pioneering initiative has started in Leeds to help overweight children and teenagers lose weight.

Research has revealed that one in three 11-year-olds is overweight and one in five is obese.

The NHS project aims to help children develop an active lifestyle and eat more healthily.

Each child will be seen weekly by specially trained staff to monitor their achievements.

Consultant paediatrician Dr Mary Rudolf said: "By working closely with young people and their families, listening to what they say and encouraging them to make changes, we hope to help children tackle their weight problems in the long term.

"These children risk significant health problems as they get older, and need a great deal of help to lose weight."

The WATCH IT project is a joint initiative between the University of Leeds and East Leeds Primary Care Trust.