Health and Nutrition
Child obesity shows new signs of decline
The rate of obesity in children under ten is showing signs of levelling off and could even be in decline, according to a report by the DCSF.
Data collected as part of the Health Survey for England shows that in 2008 the rate of child obesity in children aged two to ten was 13.9 per cent -the lowest reported figure since 2001 - compared with 15.5 per cent in 2006 and 2007 and 17.3 per cent in 2005.
Additional figures published as part of the National Child Measurement Programme showed no significant difference between the prevalence of obesity in primary school-aged children for 2008-2009 and that in 2006-2007 for either of the two age groups measured. However, the rate of obesity for boys between 11 and 15 showed a significant increase, and the prevalence of obesity among adults had also risen slightly.
The report, Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives: Two Years On, looks at the impact of the Government's cross-departmental obesity strategy on individuals and communities.
The strategy, launched in January 2008, aims to ensure everyone is able to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. It includes a number of initiatives, such as Change4Life and Start4life.
Last week, the DCSF launched a new initiative to combat obesity. It will see that young children have access to Active Lifestyle Coaches who come from a range of backgrounds, including teaching assistants and parents, and who will motivate children to do at least one hour of physical activity per week in addition to school PE.
Around 20,000 children aged four to five, and ten to 11, will take part in a pilot of the programme.
Public health minister Gillian Merron said, 'Although childhood obesity is levelling off, the Government will do everything it can to support those children most at risk. Active Lifestyle Coaches will help them find a fun way to the right track.'
