Menu
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
11 February 2004
Immediate action needed to reverse obesity, say doctors
If Britain is to reduce the health problems for millions of obese Britons, "immediate and concerted action" is needed, an association of leading medical groups has said.
Immediate action needed to reverse obesity, say doctors
If Britain is to reduce the health problems for millions of obese Britons, "immediate and concerted action" is needed, an association of leading medical groups has said.
04 September 2008
Obesity Plan Presented
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.
Obesity Plan Presented
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.
28 February 2006
Government's child obesity target 'may not be met'
The government's target to halt the rise of child obesity by 2010 may not be met unless there is "clearer leadership", a report has warned. The incidence of childhood obesity increased from 9.6% in 1995 to 13.7% in 2003.
Government's child obesity target 'may not be met'
The government's target to halt the rise of child obesity by 2010 may not be met unless there is "clearer leadership", a report has warned. The incidence of childhood obesity increased from 9.6% in 1995 to 13.7% in 2003.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
