That’s why we are joining London councils and NHS organisations to launch a London-wide campaign called The Great Weight Debate – a London conversation on childhood obesity.
London has more overweight and obese children than any other global city, including New York. Over a third of all children in London are overweight or obese by the time they leave primary school. Obese children are at risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, bone and joint problems and breathing difficulties. Being overweight or obese can affect a child’s mental wellbeing, lead to low self-esteem and absence from school, which can affect their learning.
We need a big conversation about this, so we’re encouraging residents to complete a short survey to share their views on childhood obesity.
We would like as many residents as possible to have their say; parents, carers, grandparents, young people, community groups and schools.
As well as the health and emotional problems overweight and obese children face there is also a high probability that they will become obese and overweight adults. Overweight and obese adults are at risk of diabetes, cancer, heart disease and premature death.
Here are some startling facts:
- On average, seven to 10-year olds consume three times more than the recommended amount of sugar every day (which is 4-6 teaspoons)
- The average chicken shop meal of chicken, chips and a drink contains 70% of an adult’s daily calories
- The average child in England spends six hours a day in front of a screen
- Only 28 per cent of children in England achieve the recommended daily activity levels
So please, get online, and take the survey www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GWD2016.
You can find out more about childhood obesity in London and make at pledge to improve your family’s health and wellbeing on the Great Weight Debate website, www.gethealthy.london/greatweightdebate.
