FAMILIES who want to beat the bulge are being offered the chance to benefit from a free healthy lifestyle programme.

The Mind Exercise Nutrition Do It! (Mend) programme aims to help children who are overweight learn to manage their size.

NHS Oxfordshire, the county’s Primary Care Trust, is offering 15 free places on courses in Oxford and Banbury worth £400 each, from Monday.

One in three children in the county are classed as overweight or obese by the time they leave primary school in Year Six. And the problem is getting worse, latest figures reveal.

The programme aims to tackle obesity by working with families to promote a healthy lifestyle and eating habits.

It combines information about healthy eating and a balanced diet with fun activities and exercise for the whole family to get involved in.

Jo Watson, Mend programme manager, said being overweight could cause many problems for children and young people.

She added: “It can affect their health now and into the future, it can affect their self esteem and can lead to anxiety, depression and may even affect how well they achieve at school.”

Lisa Birch and her eight-year-old daughter Nicole, from Watermill Way, Barton, attended one of the first Mend programmes, at St Gregory the Great School in Cricket Road, Oxford.

When they started the 10 week course, Nicole had a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 24.5, putting her in the obese category.

Mrs Birch said the programme has changed things for the family for good.

She said: “It’s changed the way we think about food and exercise, not just for Nicole but for the whole family.

“I would definitely recommend it. Nicole has lost several centimetres off her waist.

“It’s not just about losing weight but everyone comments on how healthy Nicole looks now.”

Ms Watson added: “Each session is designed to be relaxed and comfortable to encourage the child to give new things a go. We work with parents and encourage them to be supportive.”

The Mend courses are at St Gregory’s, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4.30-6.30pm, and at St Joseph’s School, Banbury, on Tuesdays from 4-6pm.

Places are on a first come, first served basis – call Judith Yeo on 01865 235421 or visit mendprogramme.org.

A parent or carer must accompany each child to every session.