Health chiefs launch new battle to reduce obesity among young

HEALTH chiefs have launched a new drive to tackle worrying levels of child obesity in one of North Yorkshire’s most deprived areas.

The new service, funded by NHS North Yorkshire and York, begins in Scarborough today to help drive down obesity levels among young people and their parents.

The initiative, which is being delivered by MoreLife, a weight management company based at Leeds Metropolitan University, will focus on new sport clubs for seven to 13-year-olds.

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Youngsters in this age group are suffering soaring levels of obesity according to health experts.

Coun Jim Clark, chair of scrutiny of health committee for North Yorkshire County Council who has called child obesity the single biggest health concern in North Yorkshire, says the latest Department of Health (DoH) figures show obesity rates are doubling among children as they pass through primary school.

“The figures to when children leave primary school to when they first go in, shows it has gone up substantially and that doesn’t take into account children who are only classed as overweight.

Obesity is a major problem.

“The issue we have is these children grow up to be obese adults suffering from diabetes, heart problems and a range of complications.

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“This is a very serious issue and I welcome any new initiative that aims to deal with it.

“These children need to get more exercise, eat a better diet and live healthier lifestyles – but we need to reach the parents.”

In Scarborough, the Association of Public Health Observatories reports that 14.9 per cent of year 6 children are currently obese.

Health chiefs have highlighted tackling child obesity as a number one priority to close the huge gap in health expectations with the more affluent parts of North Yorkshire.

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The difference in life expectancy between the most and least deprived 10 per cent of North Yorkshire’s population is 7.5 years for men and 3.6 years for women, while average male life expectancy in Scarborough is three years less than in Harrogate.

Areas with significantly worse life expectancy are concentrated in Scarborough, Selby, central York and a few Harrogate wards. There is also a pocket of deprivation near Catterick Garrison.

The new More Life clubs start at 9.30am today at Scarborough Sports Centre and run for 10 weeks.

All overweight and obese children, together with their parents, are invited along to take part in a range of activities including aerobics, yoga and football.

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The lessons will also include expert advice on healthy eating.

Greg Mcgrath, health improvement manager at NHS North Yorkshire and York, said: “Poor diets and low levels of exercise are an increasing problem in our society – and these are a particular concern for children in Scarborough.

“We are encouraging parents of children who are eligible for the MoreLife Clubs to get them involved so we can start changing behaviours around diet and activity.”

Professor Paul Gately, founder of MoreLife, said: “Weight is a sensitive issue, especially with children.

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“Our philosophy is that it’s not all about the weight loss – it is about how much more we can gain from making small, permanent changes to our lifestyles.

“We are really looking forward to welcoming new families to our clubs in Scarborough.”

Obesity is defined as occurring when a subject’s body mass index (BMI) – a measurement that compares your height against weight – is 30 or higher. Anyone with a BMI of between 25 and 30 is classed as overweight

While the average obesity rate in the EU is 15.5 per cent, Britain now tops the league with 24.5 per cent of the adult population classified as obese.

Anyone interested in getting involved can call MoreLife on 0113 812 5233 or email [email protected]