The ticking timebomb, scientists and nutritionists tell us, has to be neutralised. A 2003 study claimed that, if current trends continue unabated, one in three adults, one in five boys and one in three girls will be obese by 2020.

It also showed that potentially up to 70 per cent of overweight children will become obese adults.

It is this latter statistic that has inspired the creation of the MEND programme, which is being rolled out to schools nationwide and launches at Hailsham Community College in the New Year.

Designed to tackle the so-called obesity 'epidemic', the MEND programme (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition — Do it!) is a multi-discipline approach that aims to make children aged between seven and 13 fitter and healthier.

The programme was developed by leading UK experts including Paul Sacher, a specialist dietitian at Great Ormond Street hospital.

It involves the whole family and aims to teach both parents and children about healthy attitudes relating to eating and activity, and to help children see being active as fun.

Funded by the Big Lottery Fund, Sainsbury's and Sport England, the scheme comprises 18 two-hour sessions over 10 weeks — nine on the theory behind mind and nutrition topics and nine activity-based.

A series of questions, taking into account a child's age, height and weight, assesses which children are eligible.

Susan Kent, Hailsham Community College's MEND programme manager, said, "We're looking for children who are not involved in regular physical activity.

"The emphasis is on fun — we want them to enjoy it.

"The programme will help them increase their level of activity in an environment where they don't feel threatened and hopefully they will want to sustain the physical activity after the programme finishes.

"At the end of it they get a graduation certificate and a group reward, which they will decide themselves."

Figures from the first trial of the MEND programme, which involved 107 moderately obese children, seem to prove its effectiveness.

In the study, half were put through the programme while the rest had no interventions.

After six months, children in the MEND programme had a waist measurement which was, on average, just over 4cm smaller than those in the non-intervention group.

The programme group also had a body mass index measure two points lower and did at least three more hours of physical activity per week. Tests also showed their confidence increased by 10 per cent.

But the scheme's overriding theme is more one of lifestyle change, rather than instant weight loss, and also involves parents to ensure the benefits carry over into later life.

Jo Templeman, HCC MEND exercise leader, said, "The children on the programme wouldn't normally get involved with exercise on a day-to-day basis but this way they are involved for an hour every session.

"The activities include dance, aerobics, martial fitness, circuits, tri-golf and various other sports.

"Parents have to attend the nutrition and mind theory sessions. We hope it will encourage them to set their children goals and rewards and keep them involved with their child's health and well-being.

"When children are obese it affects their health and can cause them to be bullied.

"But this programme is shown to give children a boost in self-esteem."

The MEND programme begins at Hailsham Community College in the week beginning January 14.

For more information or to find out how to register your child on the programme, call Susan on 01323 444513 or visit the website at www.mendprogramme.org

Places are strictly limited to a maximum of 12, so register early.