Child obesity may be 'levelling off'
4 November 2009: Obesity in children is rising at a slower rate, and may be 'levelling off' according to new research by the National Heart Forum.
What does the research show?
There's light on the horizon as a report released yesterday by the forum predicted levels of obesity for the future are lower than they were predicted to be before.
Research from 1993 - 2004 predicted that by 2020, 20% of boys aged 2-11 years would be obese, but new research shows this figure has fallen to 13%. For girls the same age it was predicted that 14% would be obese, but this has now fallen to 10%.
The research also shows that predicted obesity levels in children aged 12-19 have also fallen - and the amount of children who are overweight (but not obese) from 2-19 have fallen too.
Professor Kim McPherson, who led the research, said: 'These trends present a more positive picture that obesity may be levelling off in children.'
However, Professor McPherson also said that this positive news shouldn't make us complacent - our obesity levels are still too high and a lot of work is still needed to tackle the problem.
Are you worried that your kids could be obese? Read this advice on how to make your family more healthy
Where to next?
- Advice for dealing with fussy eaters
- More info, help and advice on obesity
By Katie McPhillimy
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connor, 15 days
i do believe that obesity is getting rather a big issue in the uk and i am oneast for my age so i do beleive we should do what we can to stop this a a community
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