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

Senior Practitioner - Children in Care, North Essex

Essex County Council
£46574.0000 - £56027.0000 per annum
Senior Practitioner - Children in Care, North EssexPermanent, Full Time£46,574 to £56,027 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

School Crossing Patrol Officer - St John's Green Primary School

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer - St John's Green Primary School, ColchesterPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hour Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

SEND Inclusion Partner

Essex County Council
£42761.0000 - £50307.0000 per annum
SEND Inclusion PartnerPermanent, Part Time£42,761 to £50,307 per annum (Full Time Equivalent)Actual Salary (22.2 hours per week) £25,657 to £30,184 pe England, Essex, Braintree
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Highways Maintenance Manager

North Yorkshire Council
£51,356 - £55,539 per annum
We are looking for an experienced Engineer to join the team as a Highways Maintenance Manager Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Highways Maintenance Manager

North Yorkshire Council
£51,356- £55,539 per annum
We are looking for an experienced Engineer to join the team as a Highways Maintenance Manager Brompton on Swale, Richmond
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner