Childhood obesity needs 'greater focus'

Problems highlighted in health report

Greater emphasis needs to be placed on addressing the problems of childhood obesity in the Island.

Health Minister Kate Beecroft says education will be a key aspect of any strategy used to tackle the issue.

Problems with unhealthy weight were highlighted in a new public health report published this week.

The document revealed 61.1 per cent of Manx adults are overweight or obese, along with 22.9 per cent of children in reception class, aged 4 or 5.

Mrs Beecroft says people can often ease lifestyle risk factors by looking after themselves: