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29/04/2005
Figures reveal increasing childhood obesity worry
The latest batch of figures published by the Department of Health have revealed that the prevalence of obesity among children is rising.
In those aged between two and ten obesity has risen from 9.9% in 1995 to 13.7% in 2003, but children aged between eight and ten showed the biggest increase, with a rise from 11.2% to 16.5% over the same period.
Obesity levels in children living in the most deprived areas of areas of Britain were also found to be 5% higher than those living in the least deprived areas, suggesting a link between levels of deprivation and poor nutrition.
Living in households where one or both parents were overweight or obese was also found to increase the risk of obesity in children. The figures revealed that nearly a fifth of children living with overweight or obese parents were also obese, compared to 6.7% of children living in homes where neither parent was overweight.
The National Obesity Forum described the statistics as “very worrying”.
Health Minister Rosie Winterton said that Labour was the only party committed to tackling the problem. Labour has already pledged to raise the standard of school dinners and introduce a series of minimum standards in schools, to reduce fat, sugar and salt content in food, by September 2006. The party also plans to tighten the rules on advertising junk food to children.
Ms Winterton said: “If this continues unchecked, we are storing up huge problems for the future. Our children will pay a heavy price through ill-health, premature death and our National Health Service will end up creaking under the strain of treating the effects of obesity.”
(KMcA/SP)
In those aged between two and ten obesity has risen from 9.9% in 1995 to 13.7% in 2003, but children aged between eight and ten showed the biggest increase, with a rise from 11.2% to 16.5% over the same period.
Obesity levels in children living in the most deprived areas of areas of Britain were also found to be 5% higher than those living in the least deprived areas, suggesting a link between levels of deprivation and poor nutrition.
Living in households where one or both parents were overweight or obese was also found to increase the risk of obesity in children. The figures revealed that nearly a fifth of children living with overweight or obese parents were also obese, compared to 6.7% of children living in homes where neither parent was overweight.
The National Obesity Forum described the statistics as “very worrying”.
Health Minister Rosie Winterton said that Labour was the only party committed to tackling the problem. Labour has already pledged to raise the standard of school dinners and introduce a series of minimum standards in schools, to reduce fat, sugar and salt content in food, by September 2006. The party also plans to tighten the rules on advertising junk food to children.
Ms Winterton said: “If this continues unchecked, we are storing up huge problems for the future. Our children will pay a heavy price through ill-health, premature death and our National Health Service will end up creaking under the strain of treating the effects of obesity.”
(KMcA/SP)
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Leading Scottish medical professionals have put forward a five point plan to tackle the growing problem of obesity. In advance of a debate on obesity in the Scottish Parliament today, BMA Scotland has called on politicians to take action on childhood obesity.
08 October 2003
Parents must help in reducing child obesity, says report
Parents are being enlisted as the first line of defence against obesity in children after a report today revealed that nearly 10% of Britain's six-year-olds are overweight.
Parents must help in reducing child obesity, says report
Parents are being enlisted as the first line of defence against obesity in children after a report today revealed that nearly 10% of Britain's six-year-olds are overweight.
04 May 2006
Health staff encouraged to help patients lose weight
The government has unveiled a number of new practical tools for GPs and other health professionals to help patients lose weight and improve their health. For the first time, GPs and other healthcare workers are being given specific tools to help identify and treat children, young people and adults who are overweight or obese.
Health staff encouraged to help patients lose weight
The government has unveiled a number of new practical tools for GPs and other health professionals to help patients lose weight and improve their health. For the first time, GPs and other healthcare workers are being given specific tools to help identify and treat children, young people and adults who are overweight or obese.
27 May 2004
'Devastating threat' of obesity must be tackled, says report
With three-quarters of the UK's adult population now overweight or obese, a comprehensive raft of measures are needed to combat the "devastating threat" to the nation’s health posed by obesity, the Commons health committee has said.
'Devastating threat' of obesity must be tackled, says report
With three-quarters of the UK's adult population now overweight or obese, a comprehensive raft of measures are needed to combat the "devastating threat" to the nation’s health posed by obesity, the Commons health committee has said.
12 December 2012
One In Three Year Six Children Overweight
One in three final year primary school children are overweight or obese. The percentage of final year – Year 6 - primary school children (generally aged ten to 11) who were overweight or obese increased to 33.9 per cent in 2011/12, up from 33.4 per cent in the previous year.
One In Three Year Six Children Overweight
One in three final year primary school children are overweight or obese. The percentage of final year – Year 6 - primary school children (generally aged ten to 11) who were overweight or obese increased to 33.9 per cent in 2011/12, up from 33.4 per cent in the previous year.
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