TEENAGERS in Bexley highlighted obesity, underage drinking, drugs and smoking as priority health issues to be tackled in the borough.


More than 50 youngsters aged between 11 and 18 put forward opinions at the Health Factor, a youth consultation event organised by the Bexley Clinical Commissioning Group.


The Clinical Commissioning Group, who will be responsible for arranging healthcare budgets from April, says it is keen to “engage with the next generation of patients.”


Held at Hall Place in Bexleyheath, the Health Factor also offered advice to youngsters on healthy eating and dental hygiene.


Clinical Commissioning Group chair Dr Howard Stoate said: “The best time to safeguard against ill health is before it even occurs so it’s important to catch people young and instil good habits now.


“We also need to be listening to what they have to say because they often have different priorities and concerns compared to adults and the elderly.”