OBESITY and lack of exercise costs the Black Country £37 million a year, Dudley councillors will hear this week.
The price of overeating and lack of physical activity is highlighted in a report which shows the borough has above average rates for both adults and children nationally, and one of the highest for youngsters in the West Midlands.
Data published last year showed Sandwell was the sixth worst area for obese children in the country, while Wolverhampton came seventh, Walsall at 17th and Dudley 36th, out of 350 local authority areas.
Members of Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee will discuss the document’s findings at their meeting on Wednesday.
The report outlines 18 steps it is taking with schools and health trusts to tackle the problem including offering a discount scheme making leisure activities more affordable with has been take up by more than 4,000 members.
In addition, the council piloted a free swimming for children in the summer holidays to establish whether it leads to increased physical activity among children from deprived areas.
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