Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has expressed concern at an increase in primary one children at risk of being overweight and obese in Stirling and Clackmannanshire.
There has also been a rise in overweight and obese P1’s within schools in the Stirling region.
In August a BBC Scotland documentary entitled “Scotland the Fat” looked to examine why Scotland has become the world’s second fattest country.
Statistics from ISD Scotland reveal that the number of Primary One children at risk of being overweight and obese has risen from 20.5% (2010/11) to 23.8% (2011/12) in Clackmannanshire and 17.4% (10/11) to 20% (11/12) in Stirling.
Furthermore, the number of overweight, obese and severely obese children has risen from 12.1% to 13% in Stirling between 2010/11 and 2011/12.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“These figures are concerning as lifestyle choices made at a young age tend to dictate the long term health of Scots. Children must start on the right path for healthy eating and exercise.
“The Scottish Government’s Preventing Overweight and Obesity Strategy sets one of its main targets as ‘reducing the rate of increase in the proportion of children with their Body Mass Index out with a healthy range by 2018’. In order to meet this goal the strategy stated that the government has a role to play in establishing life-long healthy habits for children. Clearly things must improve if we are to achieve this goal.
“Although the actual number of primary one children classed as overweight, obese and severely obese has been declining in Stirling over the past six years it is concerning to see pupils buck the trend in 2011/12 and even more concerning to witness a substantial increase in both Clackmannanshire and Stirling primary ones’ being classified as at risk of being overweight and obese in the future.
“The Scottish Government must work harder on its obesity strategy in order to foster healthy living from a young age as the number of primary one children across Scotland being classed as overweight and obese has risen since 2007, therefore identifying and working with those at risk must be taken as a priority.”
ENDS
Notes to editors, statistical release and data tables enclosed below
http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Child-Health/Publications/data-tables.asp?id=1020#1020