OVERWEIGHT children are being given the chance to change their lifestyle.
A health programme for obese children will give youngsters aged seven to 13 the opportunity to join in sport.
The innovative event in Newsome will include diet, nutrition and exercise advice in a bid to beat the bulge.
With one in ten Kirklees children now considered overweight, organisers hope the MEND – Mind, Exercise, Nutrition Do It! programme will make a difference to the lives of youngsters.
Judith Walters, a community food and health advisor, said: “The activity sessions at MEND are simple but exciting and focus on making exercise fun again – especially for kids who are not fans of traditional school sports.
“In a friendly, relaxed environment children are more likely to give something new a go and maybe even keep exercising for good as a result.
“This is the fourth time we have run this programme and the improvements we have seen the children make have been great.
“Not only has it helped with weight issues, but it has improved self-confidence and self-esteem to.”
Classes available include dance, martial arts, cheerleading and circus skills.
The free classes are open to children aged seven to 13 who are above their ideal weight.
The twice-weekly classes will be at Newsome High School starting on May 13.
For more information visit www.mendprogramme.org
