Healthy New Year resolutions should be easier to keep after guidelines were issued to stop the bulging obesity crisis.

A report by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence says the responsibility to lose weight and get fit doesn't just lie with individuals or the NHS.

Employers, schools, local authorities and even town planners have to play their part.

Speaking about the report, Dr Ken Snider, director of County Dur-ham and Tees Valley Public Health Network said everyone had a part to play in making it easier to be physically active.

He said: "Tackling the obesity epidemic isn't just about treating people who are already obese. It's also about helping people to avoid becoming overweight in the first place.

"Our schools should give children and young people a good start in life when it comes to healthy eating habits and activity, and our local authorities and employers should make it easy for us to continue this approach in our communities and workplaces as adults."

The report says the streets should be made cleaner and safer, with traffic calming measures, congestion charging and pedestrian crossings, while in office buildings, stairs, entrances and walkways should be clearly signposted to encourage more physical activity.

It says schools must educate young people about maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, while authorities must consider building layout, recreational spaces and travel plans to and from school.

Adults who are already overweight should be educated by their GP about diet and exercise. If that does not work, the report advocates the use of drug treatments.

The lifestyle and social setting of obese children should be looked at, with drug treatment recommended only if there are physical problems, like orthopaedic problems or psychological issues are seen to be the cause.

Surgery for obese adults and children should al-ways be a last resort.

Professor Peter Little-johns, clinical and public health director at NICE said: "Obesity is the most serious threat to the future health of our nation.

"For the first time, we have brought together all the people that can help solve the obesity problem - not just health professionals, but also local councils, employers and schools - to produce a piece of work that sets out the steps we must take as a nation in order to tackle the obesity epidemic."

*PEDAL POWER TO KEEP TRIM: One organisation which doesn't need to worry about its policy towards healthy living is Southend Hospital.

In management eyes, the only way forward is on a bicycle and the hospital actively promotes healthy living by getting staff, visitors and patients on two wheels.

There are four cycle parks on the hospital grounds and there are two shower facilities, so people can cool off and refresh before starting work or visiting their loved one.

It has been such a success, a recent survey among staff has led to an increase in the amount of cycling facilities. Bosses are now looking at providing additional changing facilities, with showers, a drying area and other incentives.

Hospital spokeswoman Pat Stone said: "To encourage more cyclists to the hospital, we recognise that we need to provide these facilities.

"To encourage more people to take to their bikes, we have secured discounts on bicycle purchases for all staff, and have been talking to the council about the Adult Cycling Training.

"We are also looking into an interest-free bicycle loan for staff.

"Everyone has access to a wealth of information on cycling and the hospital's travel plan via our website."

WATCHING THE WEIGHT COME OFF: Weight Watchers at Work has not only helped staff at KeyMed lose more than 90 stone, but also generated a real sense of camaraderie among employees.

The Southend-based medical manufacturing co-mpany introduced the scheme back in 2004 by funding more than 100 staff members to follow the weight loss programme.

To support the employees, Weight Watchers' products were available in the company vending machines and low-fat options were put on the canteen menu, detailing calories and saturated fat, so those taking part could accurately calculate their points.

The new menu was so popular, it remains a much-valued part of KeyMed life and because of its success, another 100 employees have signed up to start the scheme this year.

Luke Calcraft, KeyMed's director of corporate affairs said: "The Weight Watchers at Work programme really has been a tremendous success, not only in terms of its effectiveness with weight loss, but through the excitement and camaraderie it generates within the company."

The company also offers subsidised single and family membership to local health centres and works with Southend Council to encourage employees to walk or cycle to work.

There are secure cycle facilities at the manufacturing and headquarters sites, with a shower room for employees to get changed in before starting work.