One in 10 Shropshire primary school pupils is obese

ABOUT ONE in 10 children starting at primary schools in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin are obese, new figures revealed today.

And health officials in both parts of the county today said the issue was a “priority” with bosses in Telford saying obesity levels in children were a “cause for concern”.

Latest statistics show that in the academic year 2008/09 11.7 per cent of reception age children in Telford & Wrekin were classed as obese.

This is above the national average of 9.6 per cent but a 0.2 per cent fall on the previous year.

In Shropshire, 9.2 per cent children in the age range were classed as obese – just under the national average and two per cent lower than the previous year.

The most recent figures equate to 253 obese children in Shropshire and 206 in Telford & Wrekin.

Figures also show that 17.5 per cent of Year 6 children – aged 10 to 11 – in Shropshire were classed as obese in 2008/09, which is below the national average of 18.3 per cent and the same level as the previous year.

In Telford & Wrekin the figure was 18.8 per cent in 2008/09 – above the national average and a 0.2 per cent rise on the previous year.

It means 526 Year 6 children in Shropshire and 329 in Telford & Wrekin are classed as obese.

Today health and council officials said they saw the issue as being extremely important to tackle.

Clare Harland, health improvement commissioner with NHS Telford and Wrekin, said: “Childhood obesity levels in Telford and Wrekin continue to be a cause for concern.

“We recognise that it is difficult for families to make healthy choices and are continuing to work to make it easier.

“Our goal is to make Telford & Wrekin home to a healthy community that eats well, is active and enjoys life.”

Fred Gravestock, head of joint commissioning with Shropshire Children’s Trust, Shropshire County Primary Care Trust and Shropshire Council, said: “Reducing obesity in primary school age children is a priority of Shropshire Council, through the children and young people’s plan, and Shropshire Children’s Trust.”

By John Kirk

View more: Shropshire Council news, Telford & Wrekin Council news.

1
Andrew finch

July 28, 2010 at 11:23

These figures based on only the people who participated .
The facts are we have more obese children than this from all sectors of society before anyone starts on that old chestnut.
I do not understand why any adult wants to fatten up their children like your end of the garden pig .

Report abuse
2
redboy

July 28, 2010 at 11:56

Ref ”
And health officials in both parts of the county today said the issue was a “priority” with bosses in Telford saying obesity levels in children were a “cause for concern”

empty words just rolling of the tongue,

There is a simple solution to all of this, PE a minimum of three times a week for a minimum of 60 minutes and if the teaching day needs to be extended to fit it in then so be it!

don’t ban sweets or “unhealthy” lunch boxes as it won’t work; but make the children fitter and healthier. As soon as something is “banned” everyone wants to protest!!

Report abuse
- Observer
  
  July 28, 2010 at 12:30
  
  Absolutely agree. PE should be compulsory for every pupil at least three times a week, this should include cardio vascular work to help burn calories..
  
  Report abuse
  - Andrew finch
    
    July 28, 2010 at 13:59
    
    PE is only part of the answer you are what you eat the amount of calories they are taking in is a major factor .
    3 hrs pe a week will help but will not stop the child being obese what you in fact get is a fairly fit fat person.
    
    Report abuse
3
S Palmer

July 28, 2010 at 12:07

My child took part in this survey and was clased as obese. Totally inaccurate- An independant body assesed her and found the opposite. somebody who swims(lane swimming not play) for 6 hours a week and does at least 2 hours of other sport per week eats reasonably healthy and has an active lifestyle how can they be classed obese. PCT’s need to be more careful when carrying out these surveys as they leave children who think they are doing something towards a healthy lifestyle are left distressed and demoralised-Please look into a childs lifestyle before attacking young children.

Report abuse