Parents should make sure kids are eating right and exercising outdoors
16/12/2009 Experts are urging parents to make sure their children follow a healthy diet and exercise regime following a prediction that a tenth of youngsters will be obese within five years.
Researchers from University College London found that in 2007 seven per cent of children were obese and if trends continue this could rise to ten per cent by 2015.
The team also warned that today's obese children could live shorter lives than previous generations as their weight issues will contribute to problems later in life.
They stressed that health messages - such as eating fruit and veg each day and taking part in regular exercise - need to be emphasised more.
Last week, the chairman of the National Obesity Forum said that preventing children from putting on weight by encouraging outdoor play and other activities is the best way to prevent childhood obesity.
Dr David Haslam said: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
Researchers from University College London found that in 2007 seven per cent of children were obese and if trends continue this could rise to ten per cent by 2015.
The team also warned that today's obese children could live shorter lives than previous generations as their weight issues will contribute to problems later in life.
They stressed that health messages - such as eating fruit and veg each day and taking part in regular exercise - need to be emphasised more.
Last week, the chairman of the National Obesity Forum said that preventing children from putting on weight by encouraging outdoor play and other activities is the best way to prevent childhood obesity.
Dr David Haslam said: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
