A gentle stroll through any English town provides evidence of widespread obesity and it is clear that action is needed to reverse this trend which, we are told, if left unchecked will lead to substantial health problems for many.

However, mindless actions by incompetent bureaucrats cannot help with the solution. Does it not occur to Nicola Cretney that if the system gives a message that an individual child is overweight, the first action should be a medical examination to be followed by a discussion with the parents if there is an issue?

Theoretical averages and local templates may be the icons of civil servants but for the sensible majority they are complete anathema.

John Evans, East Kennett, Marlborough.