NHS picks up bill for overweight children's camp

One in three children in the town is overweight or obese and predictions show that, by 2050, 90 per cent of people in Rotherham will be overweight and 50 per cent will be obese.

The Carnegie International Camp, based near Leeds, is aimed at children aged between eight and 17 who want to lose weight and learn more about healthy eating and exercise.

Last year the 53 children who attended lost 53 stones between them, as well as gaining confidence and making friends. After attending, the children and their families receive support to maintain their healthy lifestyles.

NHS Rotherham's public health specialist Gill Harrison said: "At the camp the youngsters will follow a structured exercise and lifestyle programme with the emphasis on having fun.

"The core curriculum focuses on physical activity, diet, lifestyle education and social activity.

"Campers will also be introduced to a range of physical activity, typically taking part in six hours per day including karate, basketball and team games.

"The children are also given a balanced diet, teaching them about portion sizes and having everyday food in moderation.

"Children are taught about nutrition, learning how to make healthy food choices and making small changes to make big differences.

"Parents and family workshops are also held during the camp so everyone understands the approach and can implement all the learnings from camp at home."

Open evenings, at which children and their families can find out more about the camps, are being held in Rotherham throughout February and March.

These will take place at St Ann's Medical Centre in Doncaster Gate from 5pm to 6pm on Monday, February 22, Tuesday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 23.

Professor Paul Gately, director of Carnegie Weight Management, said: "Carnegie International Camp is the longest-running programme of its kind in Europe and we are delighted to have places available for the young people of Rotherham.

"This will be the third year of our partnership with NHS Rotherham."

For further details on the Carnegie International Camps contact Catherine Blakemore at NHS Rotherham on 01709 302746.