Obesity tackled in children aged nine

More than one child in 10 in the East Riding is obese, and more than one in four adults – rates that are worse than the England average.

NHS East Riding has commissioned the pilot weight management sessions for children aged nine to 11, at Withernsea and Driffield leisure centres.

So far take-up of the sessions, which begin this week, has been poor – with just four signed up at Driffield and 10 at Withernsea. Driffield has the worst rate for overweight children in the East Riding.

Gill Davison, senior recreation officer at East Riding Council, said: "We're trying to engage kids first and foremost, get them to come and enjoy activities, try some different sports – maybe PE lessons aren't quite for them – and try and get them coming back week after week."

Referrals can come from GPs, school nurses and parents – with the challenge being getting parents on board.

Miss Davison said: "I think the ones who have booked are the keen parents who are probably aware that their children are above their ideal weight."

But she admitted it would not be easy to convince parents – some of whom were overweight themselves – that their children had a problem.

Parents are being asked to come along to some sessions to take part in activities and listen to some of the messages around healthy eating.

According to an East Riding Council report, only 45 per cent of children in the area are classed as physically active, a statistic measured according to those who spend at least three hours a week in high-quality school sport.

The figure is lower than the national average of nearly 50 per cent, and worse than the five most similar areas of the country.

To book a place call Kayleigh Darling on 01482 395145.