Help reverse the obesity trend
Healthy Ambitions Suffolk

Families are being encouraged to use this week as their springboard to a healthier life by getting more active and making small changes to their diet.
Healthy Ambitions Suffolk is using national childhood obesity week, which began today, to spread the message that small changes can make a big difference to overall health. It is hoped that more families will take the opportunity to get more active and choose a healthier diet – in turn helping reverse current trends which estimate 25% of Suffolk’s children could be classed as obese by 2050.

“An estimated three million children in the UK are either overweight or obese,”
said Michael Hattrell, health improvement manager with NHS Suffolk. “That trend is reflected in Suffolk, with statistics showing that around 15% of 11-year-olds are currently classed as obese.

“Being overweight can seriously damage your health. In children, it can lead to major problems later in life, such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

“That’s why we’re so keen to support families to help their children move towards a healthy weight. A range of help and advice is available, along with initiatives to encourage healthy eating and exercise, such as the MEND programme, which is specifically designed for children.

“We’ll also be relaunching the Suffolk Challenge later this year to encourage young people to build an hour’s activity into their daily routine. In addition, the Healthy Ambitions Suffolk website gives lots of ideas to inspire the whole family towards a healthier lifestyle. So why not visit www.healthyambitionssuffolk.nhs.uk and make today the first day of your new regime.”

The county-wide children’s weight management service, which is run from Ipswich Hospital, is also available for anyone who needs further help.
The programme offers one-to-one help from dieticians and a physical activity advisor to youngsters aged between two and 19-years-old and their families. Launched in September, it has already helped more than 300 children learn about nutrition and exercise, and has proved so successful that NHS Suffolk has now extended its funding until March 2011.
“The children’s weight management service is available to people from across the county, and works at various locations including Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, Haverhill and Brandon,” added Mr Hattrell. “The sessions give equal focus to diet and activity levels. Children and young people can also try out different sports which they may otherwise not get the opportunity to try at school.

“The service has proved hugely successful so far and we are delighted to have extended the funding until next year.”

Parents can refer their children to the children’s weight management service by calling 01473 704030.