As many as 41% of children aged 10 and over could be overweight by 2035 according to a new report out this morning.
New analysis published today by the Royal Society for Public Health shows that more than 90% of local authorities will see the percentage of children leaving primary overweight or obese increase over the next decade.
The new report, Playground Rules, is calling for a ‘whole school’ approach to physical activity to get children moving. It warns that without action taken now, as many as 41% of children aged 10 and over could be overweight by 2035.
Children today are facing complex and evolving health challenges, with rising rates of obesity and mental health conditions.
Children who are physically active – whether that is active play, competitive sport, or even just walking to school – are more likely to continue these habits into adulthood with all of the health benefits which they bring.
Despite this, more than half of our children and young people don’t meet the guidelines set for physical activity.
Commenting on the findings of the report, William Roberts Chief Executive, Royal Society for Public Health, said:
As a nation we’re failing the test on childhood obesity. Our projections show that we are heading in the wrong direction on obesity, with children in some of the most deprived areas set to be worst affected.
The habits we form as children last a lifetime. Making physical activity the default in schools will go along away in helping to build a healthier future. Rather than seeing physical activity as something that happens for two hours a week in PE, we need to see it as an integral part of the whole curriculum.
The recommendations in our report are practical levers that can be implemented quickly. They build on extensive expertise in the system and won’t put additional pressure on teachers and school budgets we know are already feeling very stretched.
