Battle plans to beat bulge

Overweight Walsall children who have failed to take action to battle the bulge are to be ordered into the gym as part of an ongoing bid to tackle obesity in the borough.

Walsall Council is to appoint a lifestyle officer, with a salary of £18-20,000, who will visit schools and youth clubs to identify youngsters who need to shed some weight.

The authority will be targeting children who have not already committed to a healthier lifestyle by referring them to the borough's three children's gyms and the Fun 4 Life weight management programme.

The job will also involve working with adults and encouraging them to take up exercise.

Joe Holding, of Walsall Council's sport and leisure team, said: "This is an exciting new post which will add to our already extensive work in promoting healthy lifestyles for everyone in our community.

"Generally the role will be split between the further development of the Time to Change exercise programme for adults and setting up a new young person's exercise referral scheme.

"This scheme will create a link between the community, health agencies, schools and other groups and will involve referrals to the Fun 4 Life weight management programme and the children's gyms."

Interviews are next month with an appointment early next year. Around 1,000 children have completed inductions at the three children's gyms at Bloxwich Leisure Centre, Walsall Gala Baths and Oak Park Leisure Centre since they opened in January.

The Fitzone gyms are fitted with specially designed equipment suitable for young people including TV and music channels.

The Fun 4 Life clinic is aimed at eight to 16-year-olds and promotes weight loss and healthier lifestyles.

It runs at Sneyd Community School, Vernon Way, Bloxwich, for 12 weeks and sessions include lifestyle education, dietary advice and fun physical activities.

By Emma Tate

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