A health initiative is to be launched by Mind, Exercise, Nutrition…Do It! The programme, funded by NHS Manchester and the city council, will offer free lessons and supermarket trips to teach families how to choose and buy healthy foods. Residents in Wythenshawe, Harpurhey and Gorton with low incomes will be able to apply for a place on the healthy lifestyle programme.

The cost of these practical sessions would normally be £400, but the successful applicants will not be charged. The families will have to have at least one child between the age of seven and 13, who is overweight in order to qualify. The scheme is expected to attract at least 30 families, which will result in a £12000 bill.

Parents will be given goals for weight loss, while the children take part in kid’s exercise and activities to get them moving. The families will be taken to supermarkets in the area, and the children will learn how to read labels on packaging to discover the contents of food. The families will be encouraged to eat fruit and vegetables rather than living on junk food.

Manchester has the highest rate of obesity in the region, with almost a quarter of adults overweight. Almost a quarter of children in the region aged 10 and 11 are obese, according to statistics from the child measurement programme. According to a spokesman for NHS Manchester, the investment in programmes such as this, will save money in the future as the cost of treating obesity related ailments is reduced. It is believed that this scheme will reduce the levels of child obesity, boost the energy levels of kids and increase their self esteem.