Entrance Canopy at Loughborough Primary School

The rising issue of childhood obesity and what we can do to help children at home and in school

Childhood obesity is debatably at its most critical and one of the more serious problems we face around the world. As reported by the World Health Organisation (WHO), it’s one of the most severe public health challenges of the 21st century. This global epidemic is hitting low and middle-income countries, more notably in urban settings. Globally in 2016, the total of overweight children under the age of five was 41 million. Moreover, overweight and obese children tend to stay obese into adulthood and are likely to developing health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular ailments at a younger age.

Childhood obesity and associated diseases, such as diabetes are typically preventable. On this basis, the WHO prioritises the prevention of these conditions in youth, particularly because bad dietary habits and a inactive lifestyle are among the leading causes of noncommunicable diseases. These conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and particular types of cancer, substantially contribute to the global strain of disease, death and disability.

Furthermore, many major studies verify that overweight and obesity in childhood can negatively influence a child’s executive function and academic potential. Children who are obese encounter a higher level of bullying amongst peers as well as experiences that lower their esteem, therefore posing a risk of developing unhealthy social and emotional factors in children. Social and emotional factors and poor academic experiences that can impact a child through to adulthood.

Find out more about the complex subject of childhood obesity by reading our paper.