Met sends officers to 'fat clubs'

The scheme will help cut the amount of sick leave taken by staff, the Met said

Overweight Metropolitan Police officers could be offered 'fat club' memberships and advised to go on a 12-month regimen to help them get back in shape.

Up to 16,000 staff will be offered health check-ups to evaluate their body fat, blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, as part of a new initiative.

Canteens and gyms will also be revamped to provide fitness centres and healthy food options in borough headquarters.

The Met said such health schemes helped it to cut sick leaves by more than 30%.

Officers undergoing the medical check-up will be given a personalised report with recommendations on how they can improve their fitness.

Healthy choices

The Met also unveiled a three-year plan to upgrade canteens in 12 buildings to include new vending machines, salad and sandwich bars and promotional campaigns for healthy eating options.

As part of the plan Scotland Yard's canteen, Peelers, has been re-opened after its first upgrade in 17 years.

Officers on sick leave or reduced duties will also be provided fast access to specialist health care to help get them back to work.

A Met spokesman said: "Like most organisations, we care about the health and well-being of staff to enable them to make healthy choices.

"Diet is just one aspect. We also give advice on stress, health issues, fitness and lifestyle.

"It is initiatives like these that have helped officer average sick days reduce from over 10 per officer 10 years ago to 6.8 currently. This represents a saving of several million pounds."