Obese Children PHE Report 2019. Who is responsible? What is the fix

Public Health England (PHE) produced a report today (26/07/2019)

TRENDS IN CHILDREN’S BODY MASS INDEX

• The report suggests a major increase in children’s weight when measuring BMI, suggesting children in Year 6 both genders are more prevalent to be obese or exceptionally obese. This increase can also be an increasing trend for children of this age.
• One explanation the report suggests, that there are growing inequalities whilst living in areas with high deprivation compared to living in low deprivation areas. Whilst there is a downward trend of girls, less than 10% living in substantial deprivation areas being underweight 2017/18, there is currently statistics showing an upward trend of almost 40% who are obese or overweight, compared to approx. 25% in less deprived areas.
• The report compares data from 2006/7 through to 2017/18. Year 6 boys living in affluent areas show a marginal decrease in being obese or overweight over a 10-year period compared to a substantial, continual increase for boys living in deprived areas in the same period.
• Prime Minister Johnson has suggested whilst campaigning, remove the sugar tax as this increased charge unequally affects the less well off, therefor compounding hardship on the more deprived sector.  Mr Johnson said, people should be encouraged to walk, cycle and exercise more to lose weight and live healthier lifestyles, rather than just taxing people more.
• British health secretary, Mr Hancock has already asked the question whether taxes should be levied on all unhealthy foods to try and combat child obesity.
• The National Obesity Forum website, results show that fully achieving the government’s sugar reduction targets could reduce the number of obese 4-10-year-olds by 5.5% of the obese population, calorie intakes could be cut by 25 kcal/day for children.
• Eatwell Guide: Doesn’t apply to children under 2 because they have different nutritional needs. Between the ages of 2 and 5, children should gradually move to eating the same foods as the rest of the family, in the proportions shown on the Eatwell Guide. Anyone with special dietary requirements or medical needs might want to check with a registered dietitian on how to adapt the Eatwell Guide to meet their individual needs.