Healthy weight in children (health and wellbeing needs in South Tyneside)
Key issues
- In South Tyneside, National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) data identified that in 2015 / 16, 25.6% (n=408) of Reception children measured as overweight or obese. 11.3% (n=180) of these Reception Children were obese, very slightly lower than in previous years. However, based on the average class size of 30 children, this still equates to approximately 5 and a half classes of obese children at the start of their school careers.
- NCMP data also identified that 38.1% (n=560) of Year 6 children measured as overweight or obese. 22% (n=323) were obese- a figure that is higher than previous years. This equates to just over 12 full classes of obese Year 6 children in the borough, the year before they go up into secondary school.
- NCMP data for all of England shows that in all areas there is a steady rise in obesity prevalence with increasing deprivation for both Reception and Year 6.
- Obesity does not affect communities equally - it is more common amongst people from deprived areas, older age groups, some black, minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.
- In terms of health overweight / obese children are more at risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, bone and joint problems, pre-diabetes and breathing difficulties.
- There is some evidence that mothers who breastfed provide their child with protection against, amongst other things, diabetes and excess weight in later life.
- There is also a growing body of evidence suggesting that overweight / obese children do not do as well academically-something OFSTED are currently interested in.
- Long term, obese children are more likely to become overweight / obese adults-which has its own risks
- Obese people are 9 times more likely to suffer from type II diabetes
- Obesity reduces life expectancy by an average of 3 years and severe obesity (BMI>40) reduces it by 8-10 years
