HEALTH chiefs have launched a campaign to diffuse the obesity timebomb.

Today’s super-size children could cost the health service £50bn by 2050 if they fail to adopt healthier lifestyles, says NHS Kirklees.

The latest data from the National Child Measurement Programme reveals one in nine primary schoolchildren are overweight and nearly one in six is obese.

Current Living in Kirklees study found 18% of adults in Kirklees are obese.

Now the organisation has launched the “Change4Life” campaign to encourage families to eat better and take more exercise.

The scheme involves Kirklees Council, Kirklees Active Leisure and thousands of local charities.

It will include “Eat Well4Life” where NHS Kirklees will run initiatives such as luncheon clubs offering healthy meals.

Other schemes include Young Pals which will target overweight children and encourage them to take extra exercise.

Kirklees director of public health Judith Hooper said: “Obesity is the biggest public health challenge the country faces.

“This not just about treating people already experiencing problems. This is about all of us starting to change the way we live, the way we eat and the way we raise our children so we can prevent obesity and related diseases such as heart disease and cancer.”

For details on the Change4Life visit: www.kirklees.gov.uk/activeforlife or call: 01484 234095.