Met cookbook aims to trim police

Metropolitan Police officers are being offered health tips

Overweight and unfit Metropolitan Police officers are reportedly being given a healthy-eating cookbook in a bid to improve their fitness.

Beans on toast and Weetabix with yoghurt are among 30 recipes being touted, the Sunday Telegraph reports.

The book will be distributed from two specially-equipped vans that will tour police stations all over the capital.

The move is part of a £500,000 series of health campaigns by the Met aimed at reducing ill health and absence.

'Paramount importance'

A Met spokesman told BBC News Online: "Having a healthy staff undoubtedly benefits the Met, but it also benefits the individual.

"Good physical condition is of paramount importance if people are to lead a healthy life."

The health campaign was opened at New Scotland Yard

A physical training instructor and health experts will tour Met sites offering police special tailored advice on how to improve their lifestyles.

They will have a one-and-a-half stone "false belly" that officers can strap so they learn how they would feel if they edge towards obesity.

Officers are also being encouraged to be checked out on a special "Keito K6" machine which will give them a printout on their fat levels, weight, height and body mass index.

Cholesterol and haemoglobin tests are an option and officers can also watch a video promoting the benefits of healthy eating and a balanced diet.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens officially opened the first of four campaigns, Healthy Eating, at New Scotland Yard last week.

The nine-week drive also includes stress awareness, healthy living and exercise and cancer prevention.