The latest data released by the National Health Service reveals an alarming increase in childhood obesity among children at primary school. Figures provided by the National Child Measurement Programme show that a third of children leaving primary school are either overweight or obese.
The NCMP used data gathered from a study of more than a million school age children, revealing that the number of overweight or obese children has risen. In 2010-11, the number of children who were classed as obese at the age of 10 or 11 years old had increased by 0.3 percent, taking the figure to 19 percent. In 2006-07, the figure stood at 17.5 percent.
However, on a more positive note the NCMP has indicated that the number of children in reception class, aged four or five years who are classed as obese has dropped to 9.4 percent from the 2009-10 figure of 9.8 percent. The report indicates that more boys are overweight or obese than girls, with 34.9 percent of boys aged 10 and 11 being affected. Children who come from areas which are deprived or less privileged were also more likely to suffer from rising rates of childhood obesity.
Diane Abbott, the shadow public health minister has demanded action against the rising culture of “chips and PlayStation 3” believing that the government aren’t doing enough to tackle the problem of child obesity. The chief research officer for MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition…Do It), Paul Sacher said:
“It is hugely concerning that not nearly enough is being done to turn the tide on this very serious health epidemic.”