NHS Lothian's £2.5m to battle childhood obesity

Published on 08/09/2008 10:14

A FUNDING boost of £2.5 million for NHS Lothian to tackle childhood obesity has been welcomed.

The cash – which is part of 19m worth of funding for health boards across the country to implement the Scottish Government's Healthy Eating, Active Living Action Plan to improve diet and increase physical activity – was announced on Thursday.

Shirley-Anne Somerville, MSP for the Lothians, has welcomed the move.

She said: "Childhood obesity is one of our major health issues and I warmly welcome this funding, which will help tackle bad dietary habits before they take root."

She said the resources would provide "welcome support" for new mums.

Mrs Somerville added: "It will complement action already taken in Edinburgh to tackle bad diets in schools, and builds on the Scottish Government's commitment to provide free fruit for mothers and pre-school children."