Pedometer gimmick distracts from real obesity issues - Lamb

5.22.05pm GMT Wed 24th Jan 2007

Commenting on the Government's decision to give pedometers to children in school, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, Norman Lamb MP said:

"This gimmick threatens to distract people from the real issues.

"The scheme risks merely measuring how little exercise some pupils do without helping young people to lead healthier lifestyles.

"Money promised by the Government to improve sports facilities in schools is not getting through, while the number of playing fields has declined.

"It is extremely worrying that 70% of children leaving school this year will drop out of sports altogether when they leave the school gates. This means that three million kids will have dropped out of sport altogether by the 2012 Olympics.

"Labour is tinkering round the edges of the problem of childhood obesity. Unless fundamental action is taken now we will have an entire generation facing type two diabetes, heart disease and premature death."

Applicability: this item refers to England and Wales. Due to devolution, detailed policy may be different in other areas of the UK.