ACS

A new action plan targeting obesity, poor diet and the promotion of physical exercise has been launched with an additional £40 million of new funding to be provided over the next three years.

The plan will have a focus on tackling health inequalities through targeted healthy living initiatives to fit into different lifestyle demands:

• Half of the new resources (£19 million) will be used over the next three years to improve the nutrition of women of child bearing age, pregnant woman and children under five in disadvantaged areas.

• For children and young adults at school, sports, dance, walking and healthy cooking projects will be opened up to engage young people in healthy living activities.

• For workplaces, adults will benefit from interactive workplace tools which allow employees to keep track of any changes in their own weight and receive health advice.

• For older people, new nutritional standards will be developed for care settings,

• For communities, walking and jogging schemes will be expanded,

In partnership with Cosla, Community Healthy Weight Programmes will be led by local community champions bringing together existing healthy living schemes involving all sectors of the community.

Business communities will be incentivised to improve the supply and provision of healthier food choices, focusing on fresh produce in local neighbourhood shops, particularly in low income areas and national Healthy Living Awards for retailers who provide good quality, nutritious food options.

Across Scotland, spending on physical activity projects will double to £12 million.

Public Health Minister Shona Robison said: "Obesity is one of the problems that, like climate change, does not have a simple solution and requires a new way of thinking.

"If we successfully tackle obesity then we will reduce ill-health, and a healthier Scotland is vital for sustaining and growing our economy and securing our communities as vibrant places to live. This is about providing people with more opportunity to take control of their own health.

Underpinning the action plan is a commitment to publish guidance for health boards on locally delivered Healthy Weight Strategies by the end of this year and to develop a longer term strategy to tackle obesity.

The Action Plan - 'Healthy Eating, Active Living; An Action Plan To Improve Diet, Increase Physical Activity and Tackle Obesity’ is available online: www.scotland.gov.uk/publications