IN spite of the latest worrying figures about child obesity in Bolton we need to be very careful how we handle the subject.

The National Child Measurement Programme shows one in five pupils finishing primary school seriously overweight, and nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of the town’s four and five year-olds also overweight or very overweight.

While Bolton NHS Foundation Trust’s healthy weight team is doing a great job organising one-to-one appointments, group programmes, a fit club and gym club. there’s no doubt that getting the message across at home is a tough one.

However, it’s vital to acknowledge just how sensitive children can be about their appearance and how an official label can badly affect their behaviour. We definitely don’t want children developing obsessions with their weight which can lead to all kinds of problems.

A pragmatic, sensible approach is needed throughout, with parents taking a pivotal role.