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One in three 11-year-olds 'is overweight or obese'

21/02/2008

One in three ten- to 11-year-olds is overweight or obese, new data has revealed from the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP).

This study, one of the largest of its kind in the world, measured the weight of children in reception class (aged four to five) and year six (aged ten to 11) in primary schools in England.

Nearly a quarter of children in reception were found to be overweight or obese.

Boys were more likely to be obese than girls in both age groups and obesity levels were highest in urban and deprived areas.

The NCMP was established in 2005 as part of the government's strategy to tackle the continuing rise in excess weight in children.

"It is of huge concern that one in three children in year six is overweight or obese," said Tim Straughan, chief executive of the NHS Information Centre.

"It is even more worrying since the figures presented in our report are, if anything, likely to be an under-estimate. This is because participation in the programme is voluntary and overweight or obese children may be more likely not to take part."

Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo said: "While these figures come as no surprise, it is encouraging that 80 per cent of children in years one and six have been weighed and measured. So far over 900,000 children have been weighed and measured as part of this programme.

"Knowing how many children are overweight or obese and spotting trends is key to ensuring that families, communities, public services, industry and government take the right action in tackling obesity."

She added: "We're not going to stem the tide overnight but through measures such as providing the right information and support to parents to ensure a healthy diet and regular exercise for children and increasing participation in sport and healthy eating, we hope to support families to lead healthier lives."