Childhood obesity
Obesity is fast becoming the developed world's biggest health
problem, with over 9,000 deaths a year in England being caused by
obesity alone.
Adult obesity rates have almost quadrupled (become four times as
great) over the last 25 years, and two thirds of UK adults are now
considered overweight or obese. Of these, 22% of men and 23% of
women are obese. This means that they are at least two to three
stone overweight and putting their health at serious risk.
Obesity is not just a problem that affects adults. The number of
obese children has tripled over the last 20 years. At least 10% of
six-year-olds and 17% of 15-year-olds are now clinically obese.
Childhood obesity should not be dismissed as 'puppy fat' - it is a
strong indication that the child will be obese as an adult and is
likely to lead to serious health risks in later life.
According to figures from the National Audit Office, being obese
can take up to nine years off your lifespan. It also makes you far
more likely to develop a range of health-related problems,
including:
Combined with a lack of exercise, obesity contributes to one
third of cancers of the colon, breast, kidney and stomach.
Childhood obesity care pathways
A year in development - and based on NICE guidelines on
management of obesity in children and extensive consultation with
local healthcare and other frontline staff - the NHS City and
Hackney Child Obesity Care Pathways provide clear information to
healthcare professionals about which services to refer clients
into. The three age-specific pathways - one each for 0-4 years,
5-11 years, and 12-19 years - were developed in partnership by the
provider and commissioning divisions of the PCT. They are designed
to provide guidance, not as a prescriptive measure, acknowledging
that a degree of professional judgement will still be needed.
Access them via the links below:
Pathway 142Kb
Pathway Info
Booklet 567Kb
Healthy
Weight for Kids in Hackney Leaflet 290Kb
Further information