Scotland: Fat Scots are the target

Anyone for a hamburger - with fries?

Fat Scots are being targeted in a new government campaign to promote healthy eating. Obesity has tripled over 20 years. It is now the biggest threat to child health in Scotland.

Since First Minister Jack McConnell launched the initiative earlier this month, people have been bombarded with television adverts and posters urging them to phone a new hotline for advice on how to eat better.

But the task facing the Scottish Executive is massive. Around 118,000 Scots are clinically obese and obesity among children north of the border has leapt by 70 per cent in the last decade. What action should they take?

Obesity threat

The number of people who are obese has tripled over the last 20 years, and is still rising. Obesity has overtaken asthma as the biggest threat to children's health in Scotland. What is the cause?

The NHS throughout the UK spends at least £500m a year on treating obesity, which could also be costing the economy over £2bn a year.

If this continues, it could cost the UK economy £3.5bn a year by 2010. Heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and osteoarthritis are all conditions linked to obesity.

Shorter life expectancy

It estimated that each person whose death is directly linked to an obesity related condition, loses nine years of life.

Dr John Reilly of Glasgow University commented at an international symposium on obesity: "The major driving force behind the recent obesity epidemic has actually been reduced physical activity.

"The key to preventing the problem seems to be addressing that issue and trying to get children to become more active."

We want your views

This week The Politics Show asks - is the Executive's £1.75 million campaign just a drop in the ocean?

Is the devolved government doing enough to help Scots give up their mutton pies and deep fried chocolate bars? How can we help our children get into good eating habits?

Email your thoughts below.

That's the Politics Show with Glenn Campbell, Political Correspondent, on BBC Scotland this Sunday on BBC One at noon.

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