Tackling the growth in childhood obesity
Children are becoming increasingly vulnerable to over-weight and obesity in
developed and developing countries. The UK has seen dramatic increases in
childhood obesity in recent years. 16.9 per cent of boys and 16.8 per cent of
girls aged 2-10 years in England are currently classified as obese, an increase
from 9.6 per cent and 10.3 per cent respectively in 1995. In addition, more
than half of English adults are now either overweight or obese. Obesity is
linked to many serious health risks in both children and adults, such as type-2
diabetes, cardiovascular problems, respiratory illnesses, joint and movement
problems and psychological disorders, such as depression and low self-esteem
and lowered academic achievement. Evidence suggests that obese children are
likely to go on to become obese adults, with health problems escalating in
seriousness with age. Without intervention, it is forecast that one in five
children — almost 1 million — will be obese by 2010.
What the Government is doing
The Government is committed to tackling obesity and has prioritised action to
address obesity in children. A cross-Government strategy has been developed,
led by the Department of Health and the DCSF. Fundamental to the success of the
programme is the need to work in partnership with schools, local authorities,
children and parents.
Schools' contribution
Schools have a crucial role to play in the national child measurement
programme, which seeks to collect local data on the heights and weights of
children in Reception and Year 6 to enable PCTs, local authorities and schools
gain a better understanding of the nature of obesity in their
locality. The programme also engages parents and families about healthy
lifestyles and weight issues through the provision of the results along with
additional information. Read the 2008/09 NCMP Guidance for Schools.
An information leaflet for parents on the programme
and the importance of a healthy diet, along with tips on how to encourage
healthy eating and physical activity in children, has been produced and can be
ordered or downloaded.
Evidence shows that a multi-factor approach at whole-school level works best in tackling childhood obesity. Schools already play a large part in helping to establish healthy lifestyles in children, and many existing programmes contribute to the cross-Government obesity programme. These include:
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The Healthy Schools programme
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The Food in Schools programme
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The School Fruit and Vegetable scheme
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The Physical Education, School Sport and Club links programme (PESSCL)
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Active travel and school travel plans
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Food promotion to children
Guidance on obesity for Healthy Schools Coordinators has been published to help school-based health workers support primary and secondary schools in addressing the prevention issues around obesity.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence published its clinical guidance on obesity in December 2006, which includes guidelines on the contribution schools can make to tackling obesity.
Last updated: 08 October 2008
