New figures have found that over 22,000 children are obese by the time they leave school. They revealed that there are a concerning number of children, aged between 10 and 11, who are struggling with weight issues.

 

Pupils in year six were twice as overweight as those aged between four and five-years-old.

 

The Local Government Association stated that more needs to be done to combat childhood obesity. They warned parents of the dangers associated with it, including heart disease and diabetes.

 

They added that being severely overweight can shorten your lifespan by up to ten years.

 

 

Chairwoman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, Izzi Seccombe said: “These new figures on severely obese children, who are in the most critical overweight category, are a further worrying wake-up call for urgent joined-up action.”

 

Children from deprived areas had higher obesity rates than those from other towns and cities. The Local Government Association said that we need to invest more time and more funds on schemes that promote healthy eating.

 

She continued: “Unless we tackle this obesity crisis, today’s obese children will become tomorrow’s obese adults whose years of healthy life will be shortened by a whole host of health problems including diabetes, cancer and heart disease.”

 

 

They added that banning junk food advertisements close to schools is a vital step forward. A recent study also found that youths’ diets are heavily influenced by influencers.

 

They said that YouTube stars like Zoella and Alfie Deyes often promote unhealthy eating on their social media channels.

 

Children who followed the popular stars were more likely to eat foods like cakes and takeaways.

 

 

"Now that we've shown that children are influenced by online stars, our next study will look at whether they understand that, in many cases, celebrities are being paid to promote products," said Dr Emma Boyland.
 

The United Kingdom is one of the most obese nations in Europe.

 

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