Department of Health and Social Care
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Over a million kids weigh in to tackle obesity
New report backs evidence that rise in child obesity has levelled off
New statistics published today from the National Child Measurement Programme, support emerging evidence that the rapid rise in child obesity has levelled off.
More families are benefiting from knowing the facts about their child’s weight. Record numbers of children took part this year, with more than one million children in reception year (4-5 year olds) and year six (10-11 year olds) being weighed and measured.
The programme is now recognised as a world-class source of data, which helps local areas target services for children and families.
However, the levels of childhood obesity are still too high, with 22.8 per cent of Reception children and 32.6 per cent of Year 6 children being overweight or obese. This compares with 22.6 per cent and 32.6 per cent the previous year.
Public Health Minister, Gillian Merron said:
"Evidence is stacking up to show that child obesity is levelling off. This is thanks to the hard work of families, schools and the NHS across England, supported by Government initiatives such as Change4Life and Healthy Schools, and action from industry and local communities.
"It’s important to monitor children’s weight and wellbeing, and I’m glad that we achieved a 90% take up of the scheme.
“But we need to keep the momentum going. We'll only turn the tide on obesity for good if everyone plays their part.”
Parents are now sent letters informing them about their child’s weight. The letter is accompanied by advice and sources of further information on how to help their child maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.
Ann Stubbs, a single mum from Walsall, was one of thousands of parents who received letters. Since receiving the letter, Mrs Stubbs has made some small but significant changes to her family’s lifestyle.
She said:
“Receiving the letter was a real wake up call. I haven't made a big deal out of it, but we have now signed up to Change4life life and as a family, we are now trying to take more exercise together. We go walking, swimming and bike riding and I am not buying chocolate any more. The kids have a choice of fruit and yoghurt for dessert and fruit for snacks.”
The National Child Measurement Programme which has been running since 2005 has produced one of the largest collections of data on children’s height and weight in the world and can be used by local areas to help them target and allocate resources to tackle obesity.
Joanne Hudson, Healthy Weight Children's Lead, NHS Walsall
‘In Walsall, we are committed to tackling childhood obesity, and the NCMP has been invaluable in helping us to plan and direct services to families who may be affected by this. Through the programme, we are providing additional services in schools and engaging with families on the issue of healthy weight.’
Last month, figures from the National Heart Forum also provided further evidence that prevalence of overweight and obese children is reaching a peak. Further data out next week from the Health Survey for England 2008, will also be crucial in assessing of trends.
Notes to Editors
1. For media enquiries only contact the Press Office on tel: 020 7210 5221.
2. A copy of the 2008/09 report is available at: http://www.ic.nhs.uk
3. There is no statistically significant change in the prevalence
of overweight and obese children in Reception or Year 6, compared
with the NCMP results from last year 2007/08.
2008/09 Reception 22.8%
Year 6 32.6%
4.. The National Child Measurement Programme began in 2005.
Children in Reception (4-5 year olds) and Year 6 (10-11 year olds)
have their height and weight measured in schools as part of the
NCMP, which takes place every year.
5. Trained staff, such a school nurse, oversee the delivery of the programme at a local level. Care is taken when weighing and measuring the children, to ensure it is done in a sensitive way with the measurements being taken in a separate room or screened off area. National guidance stipulates that pupils will not be told about other pupils' weight and height and the results will not be shown to teachers or other school staff.
6. Once a child's height and weight have been recorded, the results will be held by their local Primary Care Trust (PCT) along with some other information, including date of birth and the school. The PCT will then send this information securely to the NHS Information Centre, who will look after and analyse it on behalf of the Department of Health.
7. Any data that could identify the child, such as their name and date of birth will be removed or changed, so that they cannot be identified. Once the Information Centre has this anonymous information, they will analyse it to look at trends in children's height and weight across England.
Contacts:
Department of Health
Phone: 020 7210 5221
NDS.DH@coi.gsi.gov.uk
