Mark Whitehead 29 May 2018

Council chiefs warn obesity is ‘ill-health time bomb’

New figures show that child obesity is contributing to a 'multi-billion pound ill-health time bomb', local government leaders have warned.

Data released by the National Child Measurement Programme says 4.1% of children aged 10 and 11 in Year 6 are classed as severely obese.

This is nearly twice the number of four and five year-olds, showing that they are gaining weight as they go through primary schools.

Experts warn that severe obesity puts people at serious health risks including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer.

The LGA is calling for reductions in public health grants to be reversed by the Government and for further reforms to tackle childhood obesity.

This should include councils having a say in how and where the soft drinks levy is spent, better labelling on food and drink products, and powers to ban junk food advertising near schools.

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, chairman of the LGA’s community wellbeing board, said: 'Unless we tackle this obesity crisis, today’s obese children will become tomorrow’s obese adults whose years of healthy life will be shortened by a whole host of health problems including diabetes, cancer and heart disease.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

HDRC Partnerships Officer

Essex County Council
£26786.00 - £31512.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
HDRC Partnerships OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£26,786 to £31,512 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Special Educational Needs (SEN) Delivery Lead

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Lead the daily operations of our SEN service, ensuring every child receives the support they deserve. Working as an SEN Delivery Lead means being at t England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Complex Case Officer (SEN)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Support children and young people with complex needs, ensuring they receive the right help at the right time. Working as a Complex Case Officer in ou England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Events Officer - Harlow District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £18.28 per hour
Events Officer- Harlow District CouncilHarlow, Essex Full time, Temporary £18.28 per hour PAYE Closing Date
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Cleaner

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role with great benefits? Darlington, Durham
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner