Personal trainers, youth groups and health experts have outlined how they believe a new weight strategy could make healthy eating and exercise accessible, affordable and part of everyday life.
For many, diet and nutrition are key pieces of the jigsaw, as Health and Social Services launches its consultation as it develops plans for a new five-year strategy.
Mark Pemberton, pictured, group club manager at Kings Premier Health Club and Marina Health & Leisure, said there had been a reluctance from the States in the past to partner with private facilities, but venues such as Kings were well-placed to help combat the island's obesity problem.
Mr Pemberton, who is a personal trainer, said exercise should be the first approach, and once you had people exercising you could then discuss nutrition and offer advice on diet.
'I believe that the main message should be that exercise can be fun and is available to everyone. It needs to be viewed as a lifestyle change to include both regular exercise and nutrition and people need to be aware there is no easy fix,' he said.
'The health services could use private clubs and personal trainers to get the message out, fun outdoor sessions held at the park or on the beach for people to turn up and take part.
'Personal trainers to visit schools to take some sessions or schools to use private clubs facilities to provide exercise classes for the children.'
