TASK forces have been set up to tackle the growing problem of obesity in Darlington.

One in five adults in the town is classed as obese - with a body mass index of over 30 - and obesity can reduce life expectancy by up to nine years.

The task forces will identify overweight people in the town through doctors' surgeries and offer them lifestyle packages to help lose weight.

The groups will also assess the problem in children to establish a baseline.

Communities will be encouraged to get active and the task forces will work with schools to encourage healthy eating.

Obesity is now viewed in almost epidemic proportions with more than half the adult population overweight.

Overweight children are of particular concern and health experts believe that if nothing is done to turn the tide, increasing childhood obesity may mean today's youngsters have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.

Childhood obesity increases the risk of early onset of preventable disease in adulthood, including diabetes, stroke and coronary heart disease.

The multi-agency task forces will implement a local strategy aimed at tackling the obesity problem.

The groups have begun to meet monthly and comprise representatives of organisations and groups including Darlington Primary Care Trust, Dietetics Service, Darlington Partnership, Darlington Council and community representatives including young people.

The private sector, including Slimming World, Weight- Watchers, Bannatynes Leisure and First Step to Fitness, is also involved

Darlington trust's head of health improvement, Jonathan Smith, said: "The multi-agency approach has to be the right one as the problem of obesity isn't just an NHS issue.

"Changing the overall culture is going to take time but we are hoping to see tangible results within the next 12 months."

Chris McEwan, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for children services, said: "The problems obese children will encounter throughout their lives are well documented, so it is important that young people and their parents understand the long-term benefits of balanced diets and exercise."

Darlington PCT's Children Services project leader, Lucy Wheatley, said: "It is important that exercise facilities and PE provide the types of activity that children and young people enjoy.

"School food can also set a good example for healthy eating.