Talks over soaring rise in takeaways

The increasing role of takeaways in the life and health of a Black Country town will come under the spotlight at major conference aimed at improving eating habits.

It follows concern that Sandwell's 600 fast food restaurants, including takeaways, cafes, pubs and restaurants are fuelling problems with weight and health.

The borough has one of the highest levels of obesity in the region and planners, health professionals and teachers are among the people invited to attend a major conference in Sandwell to discuss the growing impact.

The conference is taking place on June 30 at The Public in West Bromwich and will tackle the issues surrounding the rapid increase in the number of hot food take-away outlets in town centres and the perceived effect this may be having on health and the rising levels of obesity.

It will look at whether levels of saturated fats, portion sizes, increased availability, changing eating patterns and lifestyle, poor controls or insufficient consumer pressure for a better quality product are behind problem's the borough faces.

Reports show almost 40 per cent of children in Sandwell are overweight or obese by the time they leave primary school.

Figures from Sandwell and West Birmingham Primary Care Trust show that in 2007/08 almost a quarter of all pupils in reception class were overweight or obese with a total of 21.6 per cent heavier than they should be for their age.

By year six, when youngsters leave to start high school, this figure had risen to 38.5 per cent.