The Obesity Awareness and Solutions Trust says the government will not meet targets for reducing stroke and heart disease in the white paper Saving Lives unless it tackles obesity.

Spokeswoman Bar Hewlett described the management of obesity as 'roughly where treatment for alcoholics was 30 years ago'. She said: 'These days, somebody with a drink problem would seldom be sent away from a health centre with a bit of firm advice to drink less, but obese people are commonly sent home with a diet sheet and zero support.'

TOAST: 01279-866010.