William Eichler 17 November 2021

Childhood obesity ‘one of the greatest public health challenges’

Childhood obesity ‘one of the greatest public health challenges’ image

Local authority leaders are calling on the Government to do more to help councils tackle childhood obesity as the NHS warns of a ‘significant increase’ in obesity rates among primary-aged children.

The National Child Measurement Programme, England – 2020-21 report, published yesterday by NHS Digital, found obesity prevalence among four- and five-year-olds in reception classes rose from 9.9% in 2019-20 to 14.4% in 2020-21.

This increase of around 4.5 percentage points represents the highest annual rise since the National Child Measurement Programme was launched in the 2005-06 academic year.

Among year 6 pupils, who are aged 10 and 11, obesity prevalence increased from 21.0% in 2019-20 to 25.5% in 2020-21.

Obesity prevalence among children living in the most deprived areas was more than double that of those living in the least deprived areas, according to NHS Digital’s findings.

In reception-aged children, 20.3% in the most deprived areas were obese compared to 7.8% in the least deprived. In year 6 schoolchildren, the proportion who were obese ranged from 33.8% among those living in the most deprived areas to 14.3% in the least deprived.

Responding to what he described as ‘worrying figures’, Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Community Wellbeing Board, said that childhood obesity was ‘one of the greatest public health challenges we face’ and urged the Government to help councils tackle it.

‘Councils are doing all they can to support children and families to live healthy lives and reduce pressure on other public services, from health visitors supporting new parents to weight management services and subsidised leisure facilities, but more needs to be done, especially to reduce the gap between the most and least deprived,’ he said.

‘New powers and funding for councils are needed to build on this, including tackling the clustering of existing takeaways and restricting junk food advertising near schools.

‘Money raised from the soft drinks industry levy should also be reinvested in other council-run programmes, including exercise referral schemes and offering free or reduced-cost sport.

‘Investment in councils’ public health services now will reap benefits for everyone longer-term, including for the NHS as we look to build back better from COVID-19 and level up the future health chances of the next generation.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Casual Support Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£25992 - £28163
About Us Abingdon Community Support Service's primary purpose is to support adults to engage with a stimulating programme of meaningful individual and rewarding group activities. The Social and Community Services vision is to support and promote strong c Abingdon Community Support Service
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Quality and Review Support Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
WHAT IS INVOLVED?   You will provide administrative, clerical and typing services to the Quality & Review Service, specifically in support of the Inde Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Duty Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022 per annum
We have an opportunity for a Duty Manager at Meadowfield Leisure Centre.  WHAT IS INVOLVED? You will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of t Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
WHAT IS INVOLVED?   You should be an enthusiastic team player who takes pride in providing excellent customer service.  You will have good communicati Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
We have an exciting opportunity for a permanent Support Officer to join our dedicated team within Business Services (part time 22 hours).   WHAT IS IN Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner