Call for action to tackle childhood obesity levels
CITY HAS HIGHEST NUMBER OF CHILDREN LIVING WITH OBESITY IN EAST MIDLANDS
NOTTINGHAM has the highest number of children living with obesity in the East Midlands, according to the latest NHS data.
School children in year six and reception were measured as part of the National Child Measurement Programme.
One Nottingham MP has said the results are “unsurprising”. The data shows year six children who go to school in Nottingham have a living with obesity prevalence of 29.8. This compares to England’s overall prevalence of 23.4.
It means 1,050 children in Nottingham aged between ten and 11 are living with obesity. Derby and Leicester both have a prevalence of 26.4 and Rutland has the lowest in the region with a prevalence of 16.7.
The same pattern is seen with reception-aged children. In Nottingham, there is a prevalence of 12.5 whereas the national average is 10.1. It means 390 children in Nottingham aged between four and five are living with obesity.
Lincolnshire is the second highest for the reception age group, with a prevalence of 11.1. Leicester follows with a prevalence of 10.6. The lowest in the East Midlands is in Rutland, with a prevalence of 7.2.
Nadia Whittome, Labour MP for Nottingham East, said: “These figures are disappointing but unfortunately unsurprising. Obesity and deprivation are closely linked – and Nottingham has higher than average levels of deprivation.
“It’s difficult for families to provide healthy food when they’re counting every penny or working long hours.
“To tackle obesity, we have to tackle poverty. We need to raise the minimum wage and Universal Credit, at the same time as lowering the costs of essentials like energy bills and rent. We should also be extending free school meals so that every child has access to nutritious food.”
Lilian Greenwood, Labour MP for Nottingham South, added: “I am very concerned to read that reception and year six children in Nottingham have the highest prevalence of living with obesity in the East Midlands, as well as being above the national average.
“There is a very strong link between childhood obesity and deprivation, and in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, with food costs skyrocketing, this already serious public health challenge could get even worse.
“Childhood obesity leaves our children susceptible to major health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer in later life, as well as poor psychological and emotional health during childhood.
“Radically improving children’s health and well-being must also be a priority.
“I support calls to put a Healthy Living Index into law to ensure that improving children’s health and happiness is central to every decision the Government makes.”
Councillor Linda Woodings, portfolio holder for health at Nottingham City Council, said: “We recognise that the number of children who are overweight is an issue both nationally and here in Nottingham.
“It must be tackled to prevent a generation with long-term health problems. Addressing deprivation, what children eat and drink, and how often they exercise, is vitally important for health and wellbeing.
“Eating and moving for good health has been identified as a priority by the Nottingham City joint health and wellbeing Board.
“A wide range of partners, including representatives from Nottingham City schools, have come together to work towards ensuring ours is a city that makes it easier for adults, families, children and young people to lead healthy lives.
“Obesity in childhood is a complex issue and lasting change requires the local authority and health system to work together with parents, as role models for their children, through the support of our skilled and diverse community groups – and with changes to the environment in which our children live, learn and play.”