PUZZLED by how to tackle increasing levels of obesity, the Government has asked the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to investigate.

As part of its next programme of work, the institute has been asked to look at the most effective ways of promoting physical activity among children.

Caroline Flint, the Health Minister, said: “Guidance on promotion of physical activity in children will be a welcome addition to our efforts to halt the rise in obesity among children under 11 by 2010 and reduce obesity in the population as a whole.”

The institute is best known for reviewing the cost-effectiveness of drugs, but it also carries out public health programmes.

In March it published reports on how to help people to quit smoking and increase physical activity. New guidance on treating adult obesity and on sexual health intervention is expected this year.

In its new programme, the institute will look at treatments for stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, smoking cessation and sleep apnoea. It will also develop clinical guidelines for stroke, irritable bowel syndrome, children who are suspected to have suffered abuse, chronic kidney disease and personality disorders.

It has been asked to include in its fast-track procedure appraisals of treatments for cancer, asthma, heart failure and multiple sclerosis. These were already under consideration but ministers have asked for quicker answers.

Ms Flint said: “Although we have made it clear to health bodies that they should not withhold funding for appropriate treatments because NICE guidance is not available, tackling these appraisals in this way means that guidance reaches the NHS as soon as possible.”

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