William Eichler 27 June 2022

‘Stark’ projections show 40% of 10 year olds facing obesity

‘Stark’ projections show 40% of 10 year olds facing obesity   image
Image: kwanchai.c/Shutterstock.com.

The Government is set to miss its deadline for tackling childhood obesity by 2030, council chiefs warn as new figures reveal a shocking percentage of children are overweight.

Published by the Local Government Association (LGA), the new projections found that around 40% of 10 to 11 year olds will be obese or overweight by 2030 if trends in childhood obesity continue at their current rate.

The LGA said the stark predictions – which also show that around a quarter of 4- to 5-year-old children could be overweight or obese by 2030 – will mean that the Government will miss its target to halve childhood obesity by 2030 without further urgent action.

The LGA’s analysis also found that obesity was more prevalent in poorer areas. Around 44% of 10 to 11 year olds in the most deprived council areas in the country are predicted to be overweight or obese by 2030 compared to 33% in the least deprived areas.

Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board said: ‘As these stark new projections show, there is still much to do if we are to avoid today’s obese children becoming tomorrow’s obese adults. The Government must work with councils and others to turbo charge the efforts to tackle this ticking health time bomb.

‘Access to healthy, nutritious food is a huge challenge for families in our most disadvantaged communities, particularly amidst the ongoing rise in the cost-of-living.

‘To effectively tackle obesity, councils need funding to provide targeted support to those who need it the most, including the restoration of funding for weight management programmes which was removed this year. Money raised from the soft drinks industry levy should also be reinvested in other council-run programmes, including healthy eating programmes and active play and physical exercise schemes.

‘Investment in councils’ public health services now will reap benefits for everyone longer-term and help improve the life chances of the next generation.’

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

Financial Strategy Manager (Revenue)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we invest in our borough's future.Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we inves England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Manager - Locality

Wakefield Council
£55,979.00, Grade 13
Wakefield Children’s Services have been rated by Ofsted as GOOD with outstanding leadership. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Safeguarding Business Support

Wakefield Council
£12,792.00 - £13,634.50, Grade 5, 18.5 hours, Temporary- 12 Months Maternity Cover
An opportunity has arisen for an Administrator to support the Integrated Front Door Service Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Registered Homes Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 14 £48,710 - £52,805 (Pay Award Pending) plus £2,500 recruitment/retention allowance and £3,500 market supplement. The salary with additional payments equate to an earning potential per annum of £58,805 at the top of the grade.
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Manager, Connected Carers

Durham County Council
Grade 14 £48,710 - £52,805 (Pay Award Pending)
Are you passionate about supporting children to remain within their family networks? Do you have the leadership skills to guide a dedicated team worki Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner