MIND OF MY OWN

The Woman’s Own columnist has her say on obesity, trouser suits and sexy Santa

- DAWN NEESOM

HAPPY CALORIE COUNTING

It’s time to start watching what we eat – especially men and children, according to the experts...

I know no one wants to talk about eating too much at this time of year, but I’m going to – so break open another mince pie and go with the flow(ing) wine. But this might involve your man and having less of him to love. And also your kids and/or grandkids, which is a bit of a shocker.

Because ladies, fat is no longer a feminist issue. In fact, it’s probably one of the few things we’re happy to hand over to the blokes. Though I’m not so sure about children.

In a two-pronged attack on the UK’s obesity crisis (which does need tackling, admittedly) a new network of specialist weight-loss clinics has been launched aimed at children. Yep, fair enough. But we are talking two-year-olds.

OK, it’s not just toddlers – the scheme goes up to 18 – but the fact they need to be included is shocking. Back in the day we had something similar, of course, but then they were called parents. Kids barely out of nappies are entirely dependent on what Mum and Dad feed them. They are hardly toddling down to the local fried chicken joint on their own, are they?

The 15 services are spread across England and children experiencing health complications related to severe obesity – such as breathing difficulties, sleep issues or mental health problems – will be eligible for specialist treatment.

The chief executive of NHS England, Amanda Pritchard, says the pandemic ‘shone a harsh light on obesity’.