Ellie Ames 18 June 2024

Call for urgent action on childhood obesity

Call for urgent action on childhood obesity image
Image: Dimmo / Shutterstock.com

‘Urgent and decisive’ action is needed to combat rising levels of childhood obesity, a public health director has argued.

According to Hampshire County Council’s public health annual report, childhood obesity is one of the most significant health challenges of the 21st century.

Public health director Simon Bryant said there had been a significant national increase in the past decade in the percentage of Year 6 children who were overweight or obese.

The increase has been particularly significant in Hampshire, he said, with more than a fifth of children in the county overweight or obese when they start primary school, rising to more than a third by the time they leave.

The report says Hampshire children often do not do the recommended daily hour of exercise. 

It also blames fast food outlets near schools and the availability of less healthy food in supermarkets and leisure settings for rising levels of obesity.

The document says: ‘If we fail to act now, carrying on as we are, levels of childhood overweight and obesity are projected to rise for this and the next generation.’

It urges the council to develop a ‘Healthy Weight in Hampshire’ approach.

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Oxfordshire County Council
£62215 - £72293
How about joining The Clinical Team at Oxfordshire County Council in our new Community Family Clinic initiative? Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£16,415.00 - £16,675.23 Grade 4, 24.5 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£14,070.00 - £14,293.05 Grade 4, 21 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Recruitment Support Officer

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) pay award pending
We are looking for a Recruitment Support Officer to join our team on a temporary basis until 31 March 2026. In this role, you will provide a comprehe Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner