WHY I’M WORRIED ABOUT . . .

OBESE children. Yesterday’s story in the Mail about a mother, Nadine Marriott, whose son Kyon, at the age of just ten, already weighs 17st, was troubling.

It’s not just the impact his weight is having on his health that worries her, but the bullies who target him. Kyon has spoken of how he yearns to be able to go out and live a normal life, unencumbered by his weight or others’ taunts, yet locks himself in the bathroom, comfort eating.

The NHS suggests he has surgery — in two years’ time. Where has the compassion gone? Obesity is clearly a complex issue, but a child of this age needs specialist help now, not a promise of help at some point down the line.