“…maintaining a healthy weight is a challenge, but one that we can and must take on for our children’s sake…”

As Christmas approaches, experts are warning parents to be alert to the dangers of childhood obesity.  While no parent wants to spoil the party, the festive period is a time when it's easy to over-indulge. And with big rises in health problems associated with obesity, there is more than just indigestion at stake.

Since the 70s, the greatest yearly increases in childhood obesity have been in Western Europe and the USA, and show no sign of decreasing. In 1970, less than 4% of children were obese.  In 1996, 12% of 2-15 year olds in England were classed as obese.  By 2006 the level had risen to 17% being classed as obese - if the current trends continue, more than half of all children will be overweight by 2050.  Obesity in children can lead in adulthood to diabetes, heart disease, a worsening of asthma and poor self esteem.

Obesity was first classified as a disease in 1948, the same year as the NHS was set up.  In the last 60 years, obesity, especially among children, has become an epidemic.  Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) on or above a certain level, specific for age and sex.  The BMI is calculated as weight (in kilograms) divided by height squared (in metres).  It is an indirect measurement, but is practical, reliable and easy to obtain. 

Dr Pauline Balac, a lecturer of Biology and Nutrition at the University of Huddersfield, explains: “A person’s weight, as any nutrition student will tell you, is simply the balance between energy taken in as food and energy given out by physical exercise.  If energy in is greater than energy out, the person will gain weight. However, managing children’s diets, eating habits and physical activity, as most parents will tell you, is not an easy thing.

 “Life in 21st century Britain is very different from 1970.  Food is everywhere, it is relatively cheap and there is a huge choice available.  However our lives, though busy, usually involve little physical exertion, and many people, especially children, spend their leisure times in front of the television or computer. Without conscious effort, most people will gradually gain weight.”

In January 2008, the Government pledged £372 million and set a target to be the first major country to reverse the rising tide of obesity in children by 2020.  The cross government strategy “Healthy weight, healthy lives” outlined a five-fold approach to tackling the problem.  These were: Healthy growth and development of children; Promoting healthier food choices; Building physical activity into people’s lives; Creating incentives for better health; Personalised advice and support. Welcome ideas are cooking in schools for all 11-14 year olds, a review of advertising unhealthy foods to children and creation of more cycling networks. 

Since 2005 the National Child Measurement Programme has been surveying two school year groups – reception (age 4-5) and year 6 (age 10-11) in state schools. Parents are given the weight and height results and the figures passed on to the government.  Follow up is offered if children are deemed to be overweight at these stages.

“Obesity is one of the few diseases that could be totally preventable,” says Dr Balac. “Small changes in your child’s eating patterns could make a huge difference in the long term.  Switch to higher fibre options such as brown rice and wholemeal bread so meals are not so energy dense. Choose lower fat versions of cheese and spreads.  Replace sugary drinks with water or sugar free ones.  Eat the fish but leave the batter.  There is good evidence that if children are offered a nutritious, healthy diet they will adjust the amount of food for their energy needs.

“However, fatty, sugary foods override children’s natural appetite control.  The recommended amount of exercise for children is one hour of moderate to high activity every day.  This is great as a family activity such as walking, cycling, ice-skating or bowling, but even jobs like gardening or cleaning can be active and fun.  Family activities are more likely to form lasting childhood memories than a day in front of the television.  Maintaining a healthy weight is a challenge, but one that we can and must take on for our children’s sake. We can also pass on skills such as meal planning, cooking and active hobbies that will stay with them all their lives.

“A few people cannot help being obese.  For most of us, however, obesity is a result of how we choose to live – and may determine how and when we die.”

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Katherine Darling
Public Relations Assistant

Public Relations Office
Marketing, Communications and Student Recruitment University of Huddersfield Queensgate Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD1 3DH UK

(10/12/08)