BRADFORD isn't alone in the battle against childhood obesity. The latest Government National Child measurement programme (NCMP) figures show that locally obesity and overweight prevalence rates have fallen slightly in the district compared to the previous year - but we shouldn't be complacent.

While figures remain steady across the district, there are still very high numbers of children having an increase in their weight above normal growth through to them leaving primary school.

The figures show that while 23.3 per cent of reception pupils were classed as overweight or obese in 2006/07, there are now 35.3 per cent of the same year group classed as overweight once they reached Year 6.

Alison Moore, senior public health manager for Bradford Council's Health Improvement team, says: "It's worrying that around one in six of the children who were of a healthy weight in reception are overweight by the time they reach Year 6.

We know from experience that no-one wants to be told that their child is above the healthy weight, but after the initial shock, we hope parents begin to accept that we want them to have the information. They can then make informed lifestyle choices for their children. We offer help and advice with regards making lifestyle change which can benefit the whole family."

A year ago Bradford Council's Healthy Living Team, part of public health and Bradford Council, launched its Bhealthy 5-11 healthy lifestyle programme.

Families are either referred through school or they can self-refer on to the sessions which are held in venues around the city and are focused on educating the whole family about healthier lifestyle choices.

Lydia Worton, health improvement practitioner with the health improvement team, part of public health and Bradford Council, explains

children are often referred on to the scheme through the National Child Measurement Programme. Children are measured in reception and Year 6.

Lydia explains the free course runs for two hours a week over nine weeks. It is an informal session involving the child and their family and covering issues as portion sizes, understanding food labelling and the importance of fruit and vegetables. It also focuses on nutritional behaviour and the child gets to participate in a fun physical activity session for one hour every week throughout the programme.

"It isn't a diet it is about making lifestyle changes for the whole family ," says Lydia.

"What they learn can transform lives. They can take it away for life and keep on following those messages. It is also about sustainability. It is not about segregating the child and making them think they need the help, it is about family members getting involved."

Lydia says there are many reasons why children are overweight - one of the key issues is lifestyle. "It is a combination of all sorts of things, lifestyle, people are much busier these days and there is a lot more processed food on the market and takeaways."

Financial situations can also impact on a family's food budget. "Families are finding it cheaper to feed children that than make them something from fresh," she says, referring to the aforementioned convenience meals.

Most families have cars - alleviating daily exercise, and technology is also playing a part in more sedentary lifestyles.

Lydia says the way products we purchase are marketed can also contribute to the problem. "Lots of buy one get one free offers are on bags of crisps. Portion sizes are getting larger and education as well because people don't necessarily know what is healthy and what they should be eating."

Tackling obesity can also help prevent potential health problems in future such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer.

"It is trying to look at the whole picture to make that difference," says Lydia.

She says the programme is about 'empowering children and parents' by giving them the knowledge to make the right lifestyle choices.

“Making lots of small changes can make a difference to their health and wellbeing," says Lydia.

Slimming World consultant, Ros Tonks, who runs classes in Bradford and District, says she never heard the word 'obesity' when she was growing up. "It breaks my heart and I see this word everywhere now."

Ros questions what has changed and believes convenience foods and lack of education has contributed to the problem.

"I loved what was called domestic science at school, learning how to shop, cook from scratch and eat on a budget too."

She says some of her younger members have never cooked from scratch and tend to consume calorie-packed convenience meals.

Education, believes Ros, is the key to helping to combat obesity. "Young people now really need to change for life.

"I love seeing families walking in and we know we can help them, making changes for the better," she adds.

The free Bhealthy 5 to 11 course is currently running at The Oasis Academy, Lister Park from 5 until 7pm on Tuesdays. Participants must be aged five to 11 and should be accompanied by a parent or carer.

For more information call (01274) 435387.