Scheme aims to tackle "wicked" obesity problem

SMITH’S Wood school pupils are far more likely to be overweight than those living in Solihull’s more affluent areas, recent figures suggest.
The data presented to councillors revealed almost one in four Year 6 pupils growing up on the estate could be classed as “very overweight”.
By comparison, the number of children in Knowle who would be placed in that category is around seven per cent.
 It is the latest startling statistic, demonstrating just how much North Solihull is lagging behind the rest of the borough when it comes to health.
In an attempt to close the gap, a new initiative has recently been launched which aims to encourage physical activity in more deprived areas.
The Active Communities programme has seen Solihull Council pair up with neighbouring Birmingham City Council, Sports England and the Active Wellbeing Society.
The north of the borough is one of six neighbourhoods across Birmingham and Solihull where efforts are being targeted.
Ian Mathis, the council’s assistant director for health and wellbeing, said the authorities needed to take a different approach if they were to make an impact.
“We’ve got a problem on our hands and we know it’s a wicked problem,” he said.
“There are no easy answers. “We are encouraged to take escalators, we are encouraged to take the car. We need to disrupt that system a little bit if we are to get people more active.”
Millions of pounds in National Lottery cash is being sunk into the project over the course of the next four years.
Numerous studies have shown that North Solihull residents die, on average, more than a decade before those living south of the A45.
Locals are also more likely to develop disabilities earlier in life and suffer from serious health problems, including cancer and heart disease.
On the issue of obesity, Coun Mark Wilson (Green, Smith’s Wood) has recently suggested that there should be greater restrictions on takeaways.
He voiced fears that in his ward there were two fast food outlets and a Greggs in close proximity to a nearby primary school.