Child obesity sees rise in XL schoolwear

EXTRA large school uniforms are becoming the norm amid a snowballing obesity crisis, a leading charity has warned.

Increasing numbers of parents are having to find bigger school clothes for children as young as five because of their expanding waistlines, Cancer Research UK said.

When youngsters start primary school one in five is overweight or obese, but when they leave that figure has risen to one in three. And every year 57,100 children who started primary school in England at a healthy weight end up obese or overweight by the time they leave.

Previous reports have also suggested some parents are even forced to buy adult clothes for school uniforms as nothing designed for children fits.

Cancer Research UK has accused the Government of failing youngsters with its childhood obesity plan, published two weeks ago. Curbs on junk food advertising did not form part of the Government’s plan.

Dr Sarah Wollaston, chairman of the health select committee, yesterday said the obesity plan was ‘disappointing’ and ‘watered down’.

Alison Cox, Cancer Research UK’s director of prevention, said: ‘With so many overweight children, we are seeing a greater need for larger school uniforms. The childhood obesity plan is not up to the task of tackling children’s obesity. Instead, the next generation faces a future of ill health, shortened lives, and an overstretched NHS.’

But a Department of Health spokesman said: ‘Our obesity plan is world-leading, with more far-reaching and comprehensive measures than anything pursued by any other Western Government.’