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Rise in number of obese toddlers | Rise in number of obese toddlers |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Children as young as three are being treated for obesity, an expert warns. | Children as young as three are being treated for obesity, an expert warns. |
In a normal child 20-25% of their body weight will be fat but specialists report that they are seeing toddlers with up to 50% body fat. | In a normal child 20-25% of their body weight will be fat but specialists report that they are seeing toddlers with up to 50% body fat. |
Professor Tim Barrett of Birmingham University says that if these children are not treated they risk developing heart disease and diabetes. | Professor Tim Barrett of Birmingham University says that if these children are not treated they risk developing heart disease and diabetes. |
His concerns follow the case of eight-year-old Connor McCreaddie who weighs more than 14 stone (89kg). | |
Professor Barrett, a paediatrician, says that the problem only began five years ago. | Professor Barrett, a paediatrician, says that the problem only began five years ago. |
He is currently dealing with four or five cases of clinically obese children under the age of four, who have been referred to him by GPs. | He is currently dealing with four or five cases of clinically obese children under the age of four, who have been referred to him by GPs. |
He says his colleagues across Birmingham are dealing with similar numbers of young obese patients. | He says his colleagues across Birmingham are dealing with similar numbers of young obese patients. |
"They are always absolutely delightful. They sit there smiling at me, usually with a bag of crisps and can of pop, because that's their basic diet," said Professor Barrett. | "They are always absolutely delightful. They sit there smiling at me, usually with a bag of crisps and can of pop, because that's their basic diet," said Professor Barrett. |
He blamed a poor diet and lack of exercise for the problem. | He blamed a poor diet and lack of exercise for the problem. |
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