THE answer to the UK’s worrying childhood obesity problem is obviously a better diet and more exercise.

The former is for parents to address, cooking food from scratch rather than takeaways, and the latter can be improved by one simple innovation: The Daily Mile.

This is a brilliant initiative, started by former headteacher Elaine Wyllie at her Scottish primary school in 2012. It takes place over 15 minutes every day and involves all children in running a mile outside in the fresh air.

There is no change of uniform, no cost. It’s social, competitive and fun and the children not only love it but it makes them healthier and happier – and more able for school studies.

It should be compulsory in every UK school but probably won’t be because one or two children or one or two parents won’t want to. Today, we undoubtedly live in a mad world.