Tackling childhood obesity

摘要

Obesity, with its associated conditions, is a serious risk to public health. Obese children are of particular concern because those who are overweight or obese as youngsters are at greater risk of developing a multitude of health issues. They are also more likely to become obese adults, therefore leading to serious health risks within their life span (Griffiths et al, 2010). The emotional consequences of obesity in childhood can also be severe and long-lasting, including bullying, low self-esteem and social exclusion. Childhood obesity is becoming more of a problem. The National Child Measurement Programme (NHS Digital, 2016) states that more than a fifth of reception-year children were overweight or obese. In year six, it was more than a third. And the prevalence of obesity has increased since 2014-15 in reception and year six. In reception, it increased from 9.1% to 9.3% and, in year six, from 19.1% to 19.8%. Many illnesses that previously were seldom heard of in children - such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease -are now being seen.