<h2>Hi</h2>

BHF - New figures show rising levels of obesity in children

16 Dec 2012 12:45 PM
A third of final year primary school children are overweight or obese, figures suggest.

The National Child Measurement Programme measures the height and weight of more than one million children in England each year. They found that 33.9 percent of 10 and 11 year olds are overweight or obese, a slight increase from the previous year.

Obese children are more likely to become obese adults

BHF's Senior Cardiac Nurse, Amy Thompson, said: “The sad fact is that a third of 10 and 11 year olds are now overweight or obese.  Unfortunately this is not just ‘puppy fat’ that will be left behind as they grow up - we know that obese children are more likely to become obese adults.

“Excess weight carries severe risks for future heart health and overweight people are more at risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.

“What we learn about food and physical activity at a young age can often help to shape our lifestyle as adults. Teaching kids about a balanced diet and encouraging them to stay active is the best way to help them maintain a healthy weight, and it might just safeguard their hearts in the future.”