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" The government is planning on extending its plans for eco-towns so that they combat obesity as well as global warming. Ten eco-towns have been planned so far, designed to reduce humans&amp;#039; impact on the environment by being sustainable and minimising residents&amp;#039; carbon footprint. However, health secretary Alan Johnson has revealed that the plans could be broadened to confront the UK&amp;#039;s looming obesity crisis by increasing the number of cycle lanes, designing safe walking routes between schools and suburbs, and placing GP practices at the heart of the new communities. Similar initiatives in France have reportedly led to reductions in the proportion of overweight youngsters. Mr Johnson revealed: &amp;#039;As part of our commitment to provide new eco-towns we are also considering making them healthy towns - through their layout, facilities and construction. &amp;#039;If this works it could also apply to areas undergoing housing growth and renewal.&amp;#039; The minister added that ways of helping people make physical activity &amp;#039;a normal part of everyday life&amp;#039; need to be investigated. \u00A9 Adfero Ltd "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthy-living/news/a15952/eco-towns-to-tackle-obesity-epidemic/>