by Moira Holden
Parents of overweight children can't recognise their children's health is in danger because they're in denial, according to a new survey.
Only one parent in nine of obese or overweight youngsters believed their offspring had a weight problem.
The worrying trend was revealed in a poll of 1,200 parents carried out by the Government.
Health Secretary Alan Johnson warned parents were 'in denial' about the serious state of their children's health.
'The message that we received from parents was clear – we recognise that obesity is a big problem, but it's not our problem.
'Obesity is the biggest health challenge we face –every year 9,000 people die prematurely and a third of 11 and 12-year-olds are overweight.
'If we don't take action now we will condemn our children to reduced life expectancy. That's why we are aiming to create a lifestyle revolution that will help families to eat well, move more and live longer.'
It's predicted that by 2050 at least 60 percent of the UK population will be obese. Currently, one quarter of adults and one fifth of children are obese.
New schemes are to be introduced in nine 'healthy towns' to promote a healthier lifestyle. A £30m cash injection will encourage towns to come up with ways of improving health.
The towns are: Manchester; Sheffield; Portsmouth; Dudley; Tower Hamlets; Thetford; Middlesbrough; Tewkesbury; and Halifax.
Rewards in the form of supermarket-type loyalty cards will be issued for people who take up exercise and walk their children to school.
In return the 'points' will be swapped for healthy food, sports equipment or gym sessions.
