'Healthy towns' to fight fat

NINE areas were today named as "healthy towns" in a £30million government strategy to curb obesity.

Tower Hamlets is among the centres to share the cash award as part of the latest initiative by ministers to tackle Britain's fat crisis, which costs the NHS an estimated £1billion a year.

Health Secretary Alan Johnson said the funding was aimed at encouraging healthy living through exercise and sensible eating habits.

"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," he said. "We've given nine areas 'Healthy Town' status. This means they must promote healthy living.

"Each town has come up with innovative ways to help their residents be more active."

The Tower Hamlet proposal includes an award scheme to encourage healthy food in fast food outlets, cafés, restaurants and shops.