HEALTHY WEIGHT
In common with other countries in the developed world Scotland faces a significant challenge from rising levels of obesity.
Healthy Eating, Active Living: An action plan to improve diet, increase physical activity and tackle obesity (2008-2011)
The Scottish Government invested £56 million in initiatives dedicated to improving diet, increasing physical activity and tackling obesity. We published an action plan on 23 June 2008 providing further details of these initiatives here . This action plan built on the continued delivery of our two existing strategies: the Scottish Diet Action Plan and Physical Activity Strategy.
'Healthy Weight Route Map': A Long term Obesity Strategy
In February 2010, the Scottish Government and COSLA launched a long-term obesity prevention strategy entitled Preventing Overweight and Obesity in Scotland: A Route Map Towards Healthy Weight. The 'Route Map' recognises that we cannot expect people to be able to change their behaviour alone as the environment we live in today means that for most people weight gain becomes almost inevitable. Excellent work is already being done but the Scottish Government are committed to go further to make changes that will transform our living environment.
Key Areas for Action
The Route Map has identified four key areas in which action is likely to have the greatest effect:
- reducing demand for and consumption of excessive amounts of high calorie foods and drinks;
- increasing opportunities for uptake of walking, cycling and other physical activity;
- establishing life-long healthy habits in children; and
- increasing the responsibility of organisations for the health and wellbeing of their employees.
Joint Obesity Ministerial Group
A Joint Ministerial Group has been established to oversee the implementation of the Route Map. The first meeting was held 26 October and Chaired by the Deputy First Minister (in that capacity). Membership includes other Cabinet Secretaries, Ministers and representatives from other key partners including COSLA, NHS and the private sector.
The remit of the group includes agreeing an action plan; reflect on progress against key milestones and targets; and oversee and publish in 2013 a report of the progress and actions taken towards the policy direction set out in the Route Map.
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