Two new initiatives, addressing obesity and alcohol misuse, have been launched in an attempt to improve the lives of people in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde region.

The A Call To Debate, A Call To Action health report by the director of public health, Dr Linda de Caestecker, and a joint alcohol policy between NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow City Council and Strathclyde Police aspire to tackle both social and health issues associated with unhealthy eating and drinking habits.

de Caestecker said: “We can’t just place all responsibility on individuals as we know telling people to eat well, drink less and exercise more simply doesn’t work. We need to make it easier for people to make these changes in their everyday lives by addressing the wider issues which affect health and inequalities.

“Where we live, how much we earn and the range of amenities in our local area all impact on our health and wellbeing.”

The health report also calls on parents to help steer their children away from such harmful activities and suggests that public run enterprises such as leisure centres hospitals and council facilities stop selling unhealthy food like chips, sweets and fizzy drinks.

An online web forum has also been launched to collate public feedback and encourage discussion and debate on the issues as well as suggested resolutions.

The new alcohol initiative aims to reduce alcohol related crime, violence and hospital admissions; diminish harm to children affected by alcohol problems in the family; introduce measures to tackle underage binge drinking and promote responsible alcohol consumption.

Key actions to attain these proposals include alcohol screening at all hospitals and health centres to identify and give support to those with alcohol problems; develop law enforcement of underage drink sales; establish a new programme called Change to address perpetrators of domestic violence and roll out the Arrest and Referral Scheme.

Deputy leader of Glasgow City Council, Jim Coleman, said: “We must act now to address our problems with alcohol to improve the health of our people and protect Glasgow’s image and reputation in the long term.”