This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Boys from less affluent areas most at risk from obesity, study finds
A study conducted by the UK Health Forum for the Obesity Health Alliance has warned that childhood obesity is set to increase sharply from among boys from poorer homes in England, with three in five expected to be dangerously overweight by 2020.
The news comes after doctors and health campaigners have urged ministers to take more rigorous action in reducing the number of children and young people who become grossly overweight, by restricting advertisements for unhealthy food and placing a tax on junk food.
Currently, research shows 16 per cent of boys in England aged between five and 11 from deprived backgrounds are overweight, while 34 per cent are obese. However, current trends project that this figure will rise to 17 per cent being overweight and 43 per cent being obese by 2020.
In contrast, the proportion of boys from the wealthiest backgrounds who are overweight is likely to fall from 12 per cent in 2016 to 10 per cent in 2020 and those who are obese by a third from nine per cent to six per cent.
Sarah Toule, head of health information at the World Cancer Research Fund, commented: “These shocking figures are yet another wake-up call to the devastating impact that obesity is having on our children, with certain sections of society being harder hit than others, just as we have seen with smoking.”
Prof Russell Viner, officer for health promotion at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said: “Widening of inequalities appals me – it’s a waste of human resources. When a child is born into poverty they miss out. They miss out on school trips, nutritional meals and warm, dry clothes and homes. They are also more likely to suffer poorer health as a result and become overweight or obese or develop mental health issues.
“The figures further highlight the impact – specifically on boys – poverty has on a child’s health and wellbeing. Inequality tells us we can do something about it. We need a country for everyone, not just an environment for the rich.”
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