Child Obesity and The Obesity Crisis

The rise in obesity, and particularly child obesity, poses a serious public health challenge. It has been predicted that if current trends continue over half of the UK adult population could be obese by 2050. The Foresight Report (2007) said that unless we do something now to tackle child obesity and help people live healthier lives then by 2050:

• treatment for people who are over a healthy weight will cost the UK economy £50 billion a year;
• two-thirds of children in the UK will be over a healthy weight.

Why focus on babies and toddlers?

Children are growing up in an increasingly obesogenic environment, particularly in disadvantaged areas. Approximately one in four children in England are now overweight or obese by school entry, rising to a third by the end of primary school.

The research evidence is unequivocal; if we are going to turn around rising rates of obesity, we need to start at birth, if not before.

• Overweight babies and toddlers are more than five times as likely to be overweight at the age of 12 as those who were a healthy weight in infancy.
• Child obesity tracks into adulthood – at least 70% of obese children will go on to become obese adults.
• Obese children are at greater risk of serious long-term health problems, including cardiovascular problems and Type 2 diabetes. Early signs of fatty liver disease and arteriosclerosis, previously unheard of in children, are now being seen in childhood.
• The emotional consequences of obesity in childhood can be severe and long-lasting, including bullying, low self-esteem and social exclusion.
• Eating and activity habits and food preferences are developed early in life.