Health Board funding - 04-09-2008

Health boards across Scotland have today been allocated record levels of funding to help give all children the best possible start in life.

In June the Scottish Government published Healthy Eating, Active Living an action plan to improve diet, increase physical activity and tackle obesity, backed by £56 million, of which £40 million was new money.

Health boards will today be allocated a share of nearly half of the new resources - £19 million - to be targeted at children.

Public Health Minister Shona Robison will today outline to MSPs at Holyrood action to tackle obesity, especially in early years.

Ms Robison said:

"We are determined to stop the problem of obesity in its tracks, by supporting new mums, babies and all young people to develop healthy eating and active living habits that last a lifetime."

"Over the next three years, an extra 40 million pounds is being put into tackling obesity and other chronic conditions associated with unhealthy lifestyles. Nearly half of these new resources, £19 million, will be targeted at children - especially those most in need.

"We are fulfilling our commitment to provide free fruit to mothers and pre-school children but we're going much further than that. These new resources will help bring about a wide range of initiatives that support a healthy diet and physical activity.

"Ensuring every child in Scotland is given the best start in life is a top priority for the Scottish Government and today's funding announcement for local health boards will help achieve this."

"This month also sees the expansion of the Counterweight programme for adults across all areas of Scotland offering lifestyle and weight management advice to those at risk of obesity.

"In addition, the Scottish Government is currently developing a long term strategy to tackle obesity."

Counterweight is a programme which helps obese patients achieve a healthier lifestyle and lose weight. Specialist Weight Management Advisers work across health board areas, training local dieticians and other primary care staff about obesity and the delivery of Counterweight. Patients who are obese are identified within their GP practice and invited to enrol.

The programme for each patient lasts a year with continuing follow up. The Scottish Government is currently supporting the roll-out of Counterweight to all remaining health boards.

Health board allocations are:

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