Many Scottish children are clinically or severely obese before school age.
Last year there were around 3,500 children whose weight gave rise to concern, an increase of almost 400 on the previous year.
Authorities are to offer these youngsters help to get their weight under control, which could include advice on healthy eating, an exercise regime or even a referral to more intensive “child healthy weight services”. Ayrshire is a particular problem area while children in more affluent areas such as East Renfrewshire and East Dunbartonshire fare best.
Scotland´s growing obesity problem has been blamed on sedentary lifestyles, lack of exercise and the rise of fast-food culture. The problem is a particular concern among young people as it can lead to life-shortening conditions such as Type 2 diabetes. …more