Politicians make big promises in obesity fight

Published on Monday 9 June 2008 10:36

POLITICIANS from Scotland's four main political parties have met health experts in Edinburgh to discuss the obesity crisis.

The newly-formed cross-party group on obesity hosted the reception at the Scottish Parliament, inviting academics and business leaders.

Speaking at the event, which was held last week, Public Health Minister Shona Robison said obesity is an increasing problem that poses a huge threat to health. She promised that an obesity action plan will be published before the summer recess.

Slimming World managing director Caryl Richards, who also attended, said: "The launch of the cross-party group marks a significant point in how Scotland is moving forwards to tackle the obesity challenge."

Scotland has one of the world's worst obesity rates, second only to the United States. The aim of the event was to raise awareness of successful interventions at a time when the Scottish Government is looking for new ways to help Scotland's 1.5 million people overweight or obese people.