AN ESTIMATED 132,400 people in Cheshire are obese, according to a county council report.
Nationally, by 2010, approximately one in five children between two and five years of age will be obese with more girls than boys being affected.
The county council review proposes an award scheme which recognises nurseries and pre-schools providing healthy food and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Consideration should also be given, says the review, to making the award eligible to child minders.
Headed by county councillor Chris Claxton, a county council scrutiny review studied the effectiveness of the various initiatives being undertaken on children's eating habits, particularly out of school.
This involves health, local authorities, partner agencies and those involved in the food chain.
It took evidence from public health and children's services experts and the results and recommendations are set out in an 18-page report.
Its recommendations include supporting the provision of cookery lessons in secondary schools, and the county council working with borough councils and primary care trusts to investigate ways in which children learn about food, including its origins through gardening clubs and allotments.
'This important subject is one of the biggest health issues facing us throughout our lives,' said Cllr Claxton.
'Lessons need to be learnt - and quickly - because figures are on the increase nationally and the cost is horrendous to the health service.
'Obesity costs Cheshire's health service approximately £48m a year because of associated health risks which include asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure and orthopaedic disorders.'
Other recommendations include encouraging each school to identify a governor to be responsible for healthy lifestyles throughout a school.
The county's director of children's services is to be asked to hold a special conference to promote this new responsibility. The review also suggests that innovative ways should be looked at to introduce physical activities into schools.
