The Labour Party is today urging government to bring
forward urgent measures to tackle childhood obesity as new
figures highlight an ongoing and growing crisis.
The nation went into this pandemic facing a childhood
obesity crisis. The latest figures from NHS England show that
almost 700 children (under 16) were admitted to hospital because
of obesity before the coronavirus pandemic – the second highest
number on record.
Early research has suggested that Covid-19 lockdowns worsen
childhood obesity. Child Health experts last month warned that
the coronavirus lockdown could lead to a rise in obesity for a
generation of kids with a lack of exercise potentially leading to
weight gain for many children.
Labour’s analysis of the NHS England’s latest figures shows
that in England in 2018/19:
-
There were over 11,000 hospital admissions (all ages)
directly attributable to obesity – an increase of 4 per cent on
the previous year;
-
There were also 876,000 hospital admissions where obesity
was a factor – an increase of 23 per cent on the previous
year;
-
Almost 700 children (under 16) were admitted to hospital
because of obesity – the second highest number on
record.
-
Just over 7000 people had bariatric surgery in 2018/19 –
an increase of 66 per cent over a decade. This includes two
children under 16 who had the procedure.
-
The numbers of people being admitted to hospital because
of obesity and having bariatric surgery are both higher in more
deprived areas;
-
The majority of adults were overweight or obese; 67 per
cent of men and 60 per cent of women. This includes 26 per cent
of men and 29 per cent of women who were obese;
-
Less than half of children (47 per cent) are currently
meeting current physical activity guidelines.
Being obese is known to increase the risk of a number of
diseases, including heart disease, cancer and type 2
diabetes.
It has been over two years since the Government first
published the 2nd Chapter of its obesity report, but ministers
have failed to implement a single recommendation.
, Labour’s Shadow Health and Social Care
Secretary, is today calling on the Prime
Minister to stop backsliding on obesity and implement a radical
obesity plan:
-
Protect children from junk food marketing with
restrictions on advertising;
-
Create healthier retail environments, promoting healthy
food choices in shops and supermarkets;
-
Mandatory and clearer calorie and nutrition labelling on
all food and drinks;
-
Ban the sale of energy drinks to children;
-
Reverse cuts to public health funding to roll out weight
management programmes to support people to live healthier
lives.
, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Health
and Social Care said:
“The childhood obesity crisis means we need decisive action
from not more dither and delay.
“Ministers promised to tackle our growing obesity crisis
but have not implemented a single measure in over two years since
the second chapter of the childhood obesity report was published.
Ministerial dither is putting children's health at risk.
“Given the fears over the impact of lockdown on obesity
levels, it’s urgent that children’s health is now given priority
and the action needed is no longer ducked by ministers.”
Ends
Notes to editors
