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Youngsters fight the fat and feel benefits
The first ever scheme in the county to help overweight children shed the pounds has begun.
The Mend Programme, which stands for Mind, Exercise, Nutrition – Do It, is designed to help children improve their eating and exercise habits, resulting in boosting their fitness levels and self-esteem.
It's a national initiative offering free healthy lifestyle courses for overweight seven to 13-year-olds, and the first session in the county began last week in Corby for about a dozen families.
Run by the Northamptonshire Primary Care Trust, there are two-hour sessions twice a week at Corby Swimming Pool and the town's Connaughty Centre for the next 10 weeks.
Dawn Wintle, of the health trust, is running the scheme and believes the most important thing is to educate people and look at their behaviour.
She said: "There's lots of myths about food and we're trying to get rid of them to make sure the facts are there and the youngsters can make their choices.
"For example they might not have been aware that a 500ml bottle of cola contains enough sugar to cover their daily intake.
"It's about helping the children."
Tom Sutherland, 11, of Holbein Walk, Corby, gets bullied because of his size at school and hopes the sessions will help him.
He said: "I want to lose weight because people call me names and I just don't like it. If I can lose weight I'll be happier and more active."
His mum Sarah said her son was always playing games on his PlayStation, but she hoped things would change now he is on the scheme.
She said: "He's got no confidence at the moment and gets bullied. He comes home most days upset. It's quite hard. It would be nice if he could lose some weight and get more confidence."
Chloe Moscow, seven, from The Lakes, Corby, is one of the youngest children in the group.
Mum Natalie said: "I hope she has a bit more energy, that she enjoys exercise a bit more and also that we learn more about food as a family.
"Hopefully something good will come out of it."
If more families in Corby would like to take part there will be another course in September. Anyone interested can call 01604 615229 or email dawn.wintle@northants.nhs.uk.
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Monday 13 February 2012
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