More support needed for obese children

A report, recently published by the BBC, highlights some worrying statistics on childhood obesity. A large proportion of obese children feel that surgery is not an option. 50% of 100 children already undergoing treatment for their condition felt that gastric bands were a form of 'cheating'.

However, a worrying two thirds of these children strongly believed they were without adequate support from their parents and teachers. This is despite the growing number of so called school run schemes to beat obesity.

Health experts have emphasised a real need for education for both parents and children, about these growing concerns. Professor Paul Gately who headed the research said that out of 100 children aged 8-17, just 29% agreed that junk food was a major cause of their obesity. 59% felt that portion sizes were to blame, which brings us back to the stark need for better education for the parents of obese children.

The responsibility ultimately lies with parents. If we can provide them with all the facts about the dangers of being overweight then we can move a step closer to tackling the issue of obesity in the UK.