Childhood obesity 'levelling off'

The rapid rise in child obesity may be levelling off, according to new figures analysing levels forecast to 2020. Data from the past few years indicated a 17 per cent drop in the forecast number of overweight girls aged two to 11, and a four per cent drop in the anticipated numbers of obese girls of the same age. The figures also showed a five per cent drop in the forecast number of overweight boys, and a seven per cent drop in the anticipated numbers of obese boys of the same age. Public Health Minister Gillian Merron said: "Obesity is one of the biggest health challenges we face. There are currently 1.5 million children and 25 million adults that are overweight or obese, leaving them at increased risk of type two diabetes, cancer, heart and liver disease. "The encouraging news that child obesity may be levelling off is thanks to the hard work of families, schools and the NHS across England, supported by Government initiatives such as 5 A Day and Healthy Schools, which have overseen improvements to school food and school sport. "But obesity levels are still too high and we need to keep the momentum going - that's why I'm delighted to see our campaigns such as the Change4Life Healthy Towns being so successful."

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ITN | November 3, 2009

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