Public Health Minister Shona Robison discusses the way forward

The Scottish Government has unveiled a plan to tackle Scotland's obesity timebomb with the warning it could cost as much as £3 billion a year by 2030.

Public Health Minister Shona Robison published the strategy as a report predicted the number of Scots classed as obese will double to 40% over the next 20 years if current trends continue.

She said: "Obesity is a huge threat to Scotland's future and we are committed to tackling this. No country in the world has successfully addressed obesity - and we want Scotland to be the first."

The cost to the NHS of tackling health problems linked to obesity is currently estimated at around £175 million a year, and the government fears spiraling costs could damage the country's chances of economic growth.

Indirect costs, such as sickness absence, are estimated at a further £282 million to the taxpayer.

Speaking during a visit to a healthy eating breakfast club at St Mark's Primary School in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, said: "We cannot expect people to be able to change their behaviour alone as the environment we live in today means that for most people weight gain becomes almost inevitable.

"Excellent work is already under way but we have to go further and make serious changes that will transform our entire living environment.

"We plan to work across all areas of Government to ensure that policies are directed at supporting people to achieve and then maintain a healthy weight."

The Government's is proposing working with schools, retailers, businesses and local authorities to promote healthier lifestyles.

Minister want to see the sale of high-calorie foods near schools restricted, while retailers will also be asked to remove sweet displays near shop tills promote more healthy foods.

Dr Dean Marshall, chairman of the BMA's Scottish General Practitioners Committee, called on children to be given the "tools" to manage their weight and diet.

The BMA revealed that one in five children is overweight, warning that could lead to more cases of heart disease, osteoarthritis and some cancers.

Dr Marshall said: "Prevention is much better than cure. It is better, healthier and safer if children are given the tools to manage their weight, eat healthily and take more exercise.

"But no-one is saying this is easy. We are in danger of raising a generation of children burdened with long-term chronic health conditions. It is vital that we take action now."

However, the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) said retailers already helped customers to choose balanced diets without the need for regulation.

SRC director Ian Shearer said: "We support continuing efforts in this area but policymakers must recognise it's ultimately individuals who decide what they eat."

The Government will invite a wide range of organisations to have their say on the report in May and set up a group to endorse a plan of action.

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