A quarter of kids too fat by age of five

Almost a quarter of five-year-olds in England are overweight, a startling new study has revealed.

Results from the National Child Measurement Programme found that an alarmingly significant portion of kids were already well on their way to obesity by the time they start reception classes.

More worrying still, is that the figure increases to a third by the age of 11 – with many fearing the problem could be greater still.

Why? Well, because the study last year only examined the weights and sizes of 80% of children in the two age groups - reception (aged four to five) and Year Six (age 10-11).

The remaining 20%, it is feared, is made up of the heavier pupils whose parents are worried they would be bullied if they took part.

Dr David Haslam, of the National Obesity Forum, said it was time something was done.

He said: “Our perception of weight has changed. We’re looking at overweight children and not seeing them as overweight. Being overweight is a health risk.

“The figures need to be used to put pressure on the Government, the food industry and schools.”

Altogether 876,416 youngsters took part in the study. It found that 22.9% in reception classes and 31.6% in Year Six were either overweight or obese. Boys were generally fatter than girls, while London had the highest averages for both age groups.

Speaking to The Mirror newspaper, Liberal Democrat health spokesman Norman Lamb said: “It is a stark wake-up call.”

Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley added: “It’s vital we don’t stigmatise children over obesity, but these stats must lead to meaningful action.”

Source: Daily Mirror (UK)