Federal government invests $13 million fighting childhood obesity

KELOWNA, B.C. – Canada's health minister has announced nine new programs to help fight obesity in children across the country.

Leona Aglukkaq told a group in Kelowna, B.C., that $13 million will be spent teaching families the benefits of healthy eating habits.

Aglukkaq says that one in three Canadian children and youth are overweight or obese, with rates even higher among First Nations kids.

The minister says the government is supporting projects through public health agencies to help educate parents across the country.

Projects include a healthy-living intervention for children in Nunavut, a health-promoting schools program and another that educates people about green, active and healthy neighbourhoods.

The federal government says it will work with provinces, territories and community groups to find more innovative ways to achieve healthier weights for children.