FAMILIES in Crow country are being urged to change their lifestyle for the sake of their children. The appeal came from Slimming World at the launch of its Let s Beat Obesity Together campaign in Royston on Saturday to try and prevent the crisis from sp

FAMILIES in Crow country are being urged to change their lifestyle for the sake of their children.

The appeal came from Slimming World at the launch of its 'Let's Beat Obesity Together' campaign in Royston on Saturday to try and prevent the crisis from spiralling out of control.

In Hertfordshire a large percentage of children are obese by the time they leave primary school according to national Government statistics and Dawn Breacher, the local expert from Slimming World, has warned that unless something is done about it, today's children could die before their parents.

Mrs Breacher, who runs the Stotfold Slimming World group and manages 32 groups in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire where children aged from 11to15 can attend free of charge with a paying parent or guardian, says a whole family approach is vital for the healthy future of children in the area.

"We got every consultant and their members and families involved on Saturday as they paraded through the towns and villages in north Hertfordshire giving out free leaflets, advice and balloons," she said.

"Government statistics predict that nine out of 10 children will be overweight or obese by 2050, leaving them at risk of a range of serious illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and even cancer.

"But with a few simple lifestyle changes, it doesn't have to be like that. Young people can already learn about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle with Slimming World groups free of charge as part of our Family Affair scheme.

"They learn how to make healthier food choices that fit in with their school, home and social lives and they also discuss the importance of physical activity.

"Slimming World members can help the whole community, old and young alike, start to make healthy changes by introducing a new member to the group. For every new member that an existing member brings along, we're offering a free week until March 7.

"If we pull together we can beat obesity and give our children the healthy futures they deserve."

Slimming World's Let's Beat Obesity Together campaign runs until March 7.