Obesity grows among children

10:32am Saturday 14th May 2005

ALMOST 30 per cent of children aged under 11 are overweight, with around 14 per cent classed as clinically obese.

The shocking figures have been highlighted by the North East London Strategic Health Authority, which says the lack of physical activity in childhood is linked to obesity-related diseases such as diabetes and heart disease in later life.

The authority, which covers Redbridge, Newham and Waltham Forest, is now hoping to use the support for the Olympic bid to encourage more youngsters to have a healthy diet and regular physical activity, which will radically reduce their chances of developing long-term illnesses.

The campaign, called Fit for London 2012, is hoping to highlight the benefits of regular physical activity, through sport and everyday activities such as walking, cycling and swimming.

The figures are from 1995 to 2003 and show 27.7 per cent of under-11s in England as overweight and 13.7 per cent as obese. In London, figures for 2001 and 2002 show that obesity among children was 18.2 per cent, which is in line with other inner-city areas.

The authority's director of public health, Sheila Adam, said: "Today's figures are a timely spur towards our goal of halting the year-on-year rise by 2010.

"Everyone should try to include at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity in their lives, five times a week with children taking part in 60 minutes of activity every day of the week."

It is thought less than a third of adults regular take part in the recommended 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five times a week.

Regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by 30 to 50 per cent and reduce the chances of dying from coronary heart disease by 50 per cent.

Ms Adam added: "Adopting a healthier lifestyle and getting more exercise doesn't mean you have to join a gym. Brisk walking when you're already out and about, or walking up stairs rather than taking the lift, are just two easy ways to get fitter and healthier."

Redbridge Primary Care Trust, which estimates that 41 per cent of men and 33 per cent of women in the borough are overweight, is currently writing an obesity prevention strategy.

For details of the campagin, log on to www.fitforlondon2012.nhs.uk.