Visitors to Bolton town centre may find themselves doing a double take as a giant milkshake arrives in town  - to literally shake people up about the obesity ticking time bomb in the borough.

The huge installation will park itself on Knowsley Street on the morning of Tuesday (December 19) as part of an NHS campaign to raise awareness of a new initiative to uncover the real truth behind childhood obesity across the city’s boroughs.

With 39 per cent of children becoming overweight or obese by the time they reach Year 6 in Greater Manchester, the NHS has launched a survey to better understand people’s perspectives around the real reasons behind the rise. 

Childhood obesity rates in Bolton have worsened following the coronavirus pandemic, figures show.

NHS Digital figures show 875 of 3,930 Year Six pupils measured in Bolton were classed as obese or severely obese in 2022-23.

It meant 22.3 per cent of 10 and 11-year-olds were in the highest two BMI categories as they prepared to leave primary school.

This was down from 25.5 per cent the year before but above pre-pandemic levels of 21.4 per cent in 2019-20.

The giant milkshake, emblazoned with the words, ‘It’s time for a big shake (up),’ has been designed to draw attention to how excessive junk food advertising and ultra-processed foods are part of a multitude of issues behind the rise, which include the cost of living and food prices, as well as a lack of access to high quality green spaces in some areas. 

Residents who spot the milkshake will be encouraged to share their views via the survey which can be completed anonymously and takes approximately five minutes to fill out.

There will be stewards with the survey available to complete on iPads and to answer any questions.

The milkshake is part of a wider campaign of activity to encourage participation in the survey, with residents across Greater Manchester also receiving a ‘fake’ takeaway menu through their doors over the next couple of weeks, suggesting some more of the key reasons why children in Greater Manchester could be at risk of becoming overweight or obese.

Locals will also spot a series of hard-hitting social graphics and campaign billboards across the city.

Jane Pilkington, Director of Population Health at NHS Greater Manchester, says: “The impacts of childhood obesity last all too predictably through life – a child who is obese at aged 5 and 10 is more likely to be obese as an adult and therefore will experience health complications.

“Nowhere is this more apparent than in urban areas across our city-region which have a high density of fast-food outlets, where residents are saturated with junk food ads.  Healthy food choices can be up to three times more expensive than unhealthy and less nutritious options.

“And that’s why this work is so important - it’s time for an honest look at childhood obesity in Greater Manchester, starting with sharing this survey far and wide and giving as many people as possible, the chance to have their say.”

To take part in the survey, please visit www.therealpicture.org.

The giant milkshake will be at the following locations: 

  • Tuesday, December 19 at Bolton Town Centre, Knowsley Street (AM) and Wigan, outside Grand Arcade shopping Centre (PM).
  • Wednesday, December 20 at Oldham high street (AM) and Tameside Clarendon shopping centre (PM).
  • Thursday, December 21 at Stockport Train Station (PM)

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.