The guidelines, released last week, give GPs detailed suggestions of howto persuade parents and children to monitor and refer weightproblems.
However, David Haslam, a GP and chair of the National Obesity Forum'said if the Government wanted GPs to prioritise child obesity it shouldhave put it into their contracts.
"Giving out guidelines but saying it's not important enough to put inthe contract gives out the wrong message," said Haslam.
The move follows news that a US-style "fat camp" for children is to openin Penrith this summer. Overweight 12- to 17-year-olds will take part inadventure and sports activities. Haslam said it was crucial the camphelped youngsters build long-term changes into their lifestyles, ratherthan just giving them a temporary change of environment.
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