British Children Getting Fatter

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain risks an epidemic of obesity as more and more primary-school children become substantially overweight, researchers reported on Friday.

One in five 9-year-olds and nearly one third of 11-year-old-year girls are overweight, and the tendency often carries into the teenage years and adulthood.

``Starting from the age of 9 there is a significant increase in the numbers of overweight and obese children at levels that are concerning because they are predictive that the adult population will have increasing levels of obesity. And that comes with with major medical problems,'' Dr Mary Rudolph told Reuters.

The paediatrician at the Leeds Community and Mental Health Trust in England said the trend in Britain is consistent with other Western countries.

She and her colleagues measured the body mass index (BMI) of nearly 700 children in 10 primary schools and compared their findings to expected growth standards.

They found a significant increase in the proportion of overweight and obese children between 9- and 11-years-olds, in both boys and girls.

Their findings, which are reported in the British Medical Journal, are consistent with other recent studies that have detailed alarming increases in obesity among British children.

``We're attributing it, not surprisingly, to diet and a lack of physical activity. Probably the more important factor is the decrease in informal and formal play,'' said Rudolph.

The level of obesity among children is increasing at such a rate that Rudolph and her colleagues believe it is a major health issue that needs urgent attention.

``Primary schools are a good place to start because the problems tend to start at that age, and children at that age are more malleable to lifestyle changes,'' she said.

Parents, according to the researchers, need to give their children nutritious foods and must encourage them to be active.

Rudolph also suggested that the advertising of high-fat foods not be allowed during children's peak television viewing times.

Obesity, which is one of the biggest health crises facing industrialised countries, is linked with an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Obesity increases with age and also runs in families, but scientists are not clear about how genetics contributes to the condition.

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