NHS ‘burger boy’ sculpture courts controversy

Childhood obesity is a huge problem in the UK that affects around a quarter of kids. Action is obviously needed, but has the NHS gone one step too far?

Some campaigners are saying that the NHS’s plan to parade a sculpture of an obese boy, munching on a burger, through the town centre of Barnsley, York, during the Mayor’s summer parade is a bit too much. Particularly since they plan to burn this burger boy effigy to the ground after the march.

A representative from Slimming World said: "I was a fat kid and it is hard enough. If I was still the size I was then I wouldn't go to the carnival because I'd think everyone was laughing at me."

Bearing in mind recent research, which shows that obese children face a substantially higher risk of being bullied than other children, perhaps this spokesperson has a point? After all, making children feel too self-conscious about their weight will probably only make them feel worse.

Overcoming the ‘fat gene’

Most experts believe that the right route back to a normal weight is constant exercise and a better diet. Evidence shows that with 60 minutes of strenuous exercise each day, children can avoid obesity, even if they are born with the FTO gene that predisposes them to gaining weight fast.

Children are naturally full of energy, so letting them roam outdoors more and encouraging them to be active are the best steps that parents can take to help.