THE Government's plans to issue warnings to parents of fat children will be dismissed by some as more nanny-state nonsense.

It strikes us, however, that the proposals seem to assume a level of stupidity among the general public that, if true, is as worrying as the health issues associated with obesity.

Are people in this country so lacking in intelligence that they need the Government to tell them their kids are overweight?

The growing hysteria surrounding obesity has seen dire predictions of a nation of fatties by the year 2050. The Government seems to be under increasing pressure to do something about it.

What on earth is the Government - any Government - expected to do?

Let us face reality here. People become obese - with the odd exception of those with particular medical conditions - because they eat and drink too much and do not take enough exercise.

Simple stuff - but too many people seem to expect the Government to come up with magical solutions to a problem caused by their own lack of willpower.

The responsibility for being overweight rests with the individual. In the case of children, it rests with parents.

Allowing your kids to stuff themselves silly while slumped in front of the TV or computer is not only a recipe for shortening their lives but also leaves them open to abuse and bullying from their peers.

It is time for an end to this nonsense about obesity being a Government problem. It isn't. And the solution is simple - eat less and exercise more.