Lockdown adding to obesity crisis, charity boss fears

Call for daily exercise for children at home

A charity fears lockdown could fuel the childhood obesity crisis. The KM Charity Team says current events are driving a sedentary lifestyle in the county’s youth.

It works with schools to promote active travel, road safety, and child literacy.

Chief executive Mike Ward said: “Kent was in a health crisis even before Covid-19, with a quarter of reception-age children overweight.

“And now for months there have been restrictions on children’s primary means of being active – schools, clubs, playgrounds, and socialising with friends.

“Young people have spent a long time cooped up indoors bored and stressed and, as a result, eating more food. “It’s a recipe for disaster if left unchecked.” According to the 2018/19

National Child Measurement Programme, 24.7% of reception pupils in Kent are overweight or obese – just above the national average of 22.6%.

The highest percentages are in Dover, Gravesham and Thanet, while the lowest are in Ashford, Canterbury, Sevenoaks, and Tunbridge Wells.

The picture worsens at year six with 32.2% of Kent pupils overweight or obese. However, Medway is a major cause for concern. According to Public Health England, the number of overweight or obese reception-age pupils there has been on the rise for four years.

In the 2014/15 academic year, 21.6% of pupils fell into this category and by 2018/19 this had reached 24%.

The picture worsens at Year 6 with 36.2% of Medway learners overweight or obese in 2018/19 – compared to 34.3% nationwide. “We must take action,” said Mr Ward.

“Schools are ideally placed to motivate children towards healthier lifestyles – and that’s where we can help.

“I know many are suffering lockdown fatigue but I urge families to prioritise daily fresh air and exercise – whether it’s walking to school or a family stroll to maintain energy levels and mental wellbeing.”

■ Visit www.kmcharityteam. co.uk and follow @Inspireschools1 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

‘I urge families to really prioritise daily exercise’

KM Charity Team chief executive Mike Ward