Childhood Obesity in the United Kingdom 79developed world – indeed obesity has replaced malnutrition as the leading
nutritional problem in certain parts of Africa, in particular among the poorer,
less educated families residing in the urban cities [13].
More recent data however (2010-2015) suggests that the exponential
increase in childhood obesity prevalence is abating. This could be in part due
to the effect of healthy-living campaigns, but it could also be a reflection of
how data is collected and analysed [14-17]. Experts from the University
College of London (UCL) suggest that childhood obesity may now be
stabilising in particular among the under-10s, but it is too early to say if this
plateau will continue. The same study also reports that obesity is starting
earlier in life [18]. Eustace De Sousa, national lead for children, young people
and families, at Public Health England, said: “Almost one in 10 children in
Reception are obese - but what's even more shocking is that by the time they
leave primary school, this doubles to nearly one in five.”
Source: King’s College London.
Figure 1. percentage of children who are overweight by age (UK statistics). Courtesy
of http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-32797769.
It is important to consider the aetiology of childhood obesity. There is a
genetic pre-disposition to obesity, but this interacts with the balance between
activity levels (energy expenditure) and nutritional intake (energy intake).
Some health conditions can cause weight gain however these problems are
uncommon and account for less than 1% of cases of childhood obesity. Certain