HEALTH bosses in St Helens welcome measures being taken by central government to tackle childhood obesity but say these don't go far enough.

The Government's childhood obesity plan has been criticised by health experts, with the British Medical Association (BMA) claiming there had been a backtrack on promises.

According to St Helens Council, unhealthy weight in children is a major public health issue in the borough, costing the NHS £14 million and the local economy an additional £45 million each year through lost productivity.

Councillor Jeanie Bell, St Helens' cabinet member for public health, said: "We welcome the measures outlined in the Government's plan, but as a borough fully committed to tackling childhood obesity, we are disappointed that it isn't stronger national action."

The national childhood obesity strategy asks the food and drink industry to voluntarily cut five per cent of the sugar in products popular with children over the next year, and calls on primary schools to deliver at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day.

School sports will get extra funds via a tax on sugary drinks to come into force in 2018.

Dympna Edwards, assistant director of public health at St Helens Council, explained that one in four Reception age children are an unhealthy weight, with this rising to one in three by the time they reach Year 6.

Ms Edwards said: "Unfortunately our levels of childhood obesity are higher than the national average.

"Children don't have to look overweight to have a problem - even a little bit of excess weight on a child can be unhealthy.

"This can lead to young people having psychological issues and, later on, adults having serious health problems with increased diabetes, cancers, heart disease and joint problems."

She added: "There are a lot of sugars and fats hidden in food; it's difficult for people to tell what's in food. You need a PhD to read some of the labels. The traffic lights system is helpful."

She also criticised the advertising of unhealthy foods aimed at children, saying: "Manufacturers wouldn't spend a lot on advertising if it didn't work. This puts parents under pressure from pester power."

Measures being taken locally include healthier school meals and training for kitchen staff, restrictions on takeaways opening within 400 metres of schools, parks installing gym equipment and an award for childminders that provide healthy menus.

Ms Edwards said the two top tips for parents and carers are limiting children's screen time and reducing meal portions to a size that would fit into the eater's cupped hands.

For further information on the issue go to healthysthelens.co.uk.