ALMOST 3000 overweight children in the Lothians are set to be targeted by health board fat-busters every year, under new plans for a massive expansion of the scheme.
As part of a drive to improve the health of youngsters, health officials in the Lothians have been told to treble the number of children who are identified for "direct action" to control their weight.
It means that by 2011, so-called "healthy wei
ght interventions" will have reached 2898 a year in the Lothians.
There are currently about 1000 children of primary school age in the Lothians who are earmarked for special fitness classes and dietary advice.
The Scottish Government believes that more than a fifth of youngsters in the region are classed as overweight when they start school, and as a result want to extend the scheme.
It is understood there are also a handful deemed to be underweight.
A report prepared by NHS Lothian director of public health Alison McCallum and public health consultant Graham MacKenzie stated that those in more deprived areas were likely to be targeted and the help of local voluntary organisations would be enlisted.
But the paper indicated some concerns remained about the programme. It stated: "There may be parental concerns about use of data collected during first year at primary school for targeting weight management programmes, and sharing that information with other organisations.
"Focusing a programme on overweight and obese children is likely to stigmatise these children and families. Delivering a more holistic school-based approach will minimise this risk."
The body-mass index will not be used as a marker of who is or isn't obese. Instead, the programme will visit schools and assess individuals independently.
The measures will cost around £200,000 per year.
Under the NHS Scotland targets, more children in the Lothians would be subject to the interventions than any other health board. In Glasgow there would only be a third of the total here, while the second most would be in Lanarkshire, with 2300 a year.
The city's Conservative leader, Councillor Iain Whyte, who sits on the NHS Lothian board, said: "If we can get to people early it helps. But it's not just up to the health service. We need schools, council, nurseries and parents to participate to improve health.
"We also need to educate parents so they can do what they need to make this work."
The Evening News revealed last year that around 1000 children would be part of the initial scheme. Health chiefs said then it was key to intervene at a young age to reduce future risks of diabetes, heart attacks and strokes.
Your Say: What should be done to tackle the obesity crisis in Scotland's children?Ian Aylies, 27, graphic designer, Morningside: "There should be more education for people about how to give kids a healthy diet on a budget."
Grant Jones, 34, researcher, Old Town: "Banning advertising for fast food restaurants would probably help,."
Alison Lowe, 32, publishing editor, Morningside: "Schools should start doing more exercise with children."
