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.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Repairs Co-Ordinator

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Be the heart of our community - help us keep homes safe, warm and well-maintained.At the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), we believe th England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Museums Operations Manager

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band F, SCP26 - 31 (£36,124 - £40,476) per annum
Sandwell Museums is looking for an experienced and motivated Operations Manager Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Regulation and Compliance Assistant - WMF2056e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£31,067 - £31,586 pro rata
This is an exciting opportunity for you to join the Licensing Team within Westmorland and Furness Council Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Community Finance Officer - WMF2059e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£33,366 - £34,314
You will be working in a busy operational finance service Barrow in Furness, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Apprentice Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£7.55 per hour
Apprentice Teaching Assistants Temporary – 15 month Apprenticeship Contact Full Time – term time only plus 2 weeks £7.55 per hour Start Date
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner