With rates of obesity in the UK reaching epidemic proportions, programmes designed to tackle the problem have been criticised for bypassing certain population groups. But a project designed to promote exercise and healthy living among people with learning disabilities in Surrey has achieved many of its objectives. Lisa Poynor explains

Reducing excess weight and obesity is a national and global priority: the health risks associated with obesity are largely preventable and its prevalence is increasing. Calls for action have come from, among others, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) (2006), the World Health Organization (2002, 2004) and the Department of Health (DH) (1995).