This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/health/7256342.stm

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Child obesity 'a major problem' Child obesity 'a major problem'
(10 minutes later)
Almost one in four five-year olds and one in three 11-year olds is overweight or obese, according to the national child measurement programme.Almost one in four five-year olds and one in three 11-year olds is overweight or obese, according to the national child measurement programme.
In 2006/07, 80% of children in England starting and finishing primary school took part in the weighing scheme, compared with half the previous year.In 2006/07, 80% of children in England starting and finishing primary school took part in the weighing scheme, compared with half the previous year.
Rates of obesity are worst in the North East, West Midlands and London, the NHS Information Centre report said.Rates of obesity are worst in the North East, West Midlands and London, the NHS Information Centre report said.
Campaigners said awareness of what was a "normal weight" needed to improve.Campaigners said awareness of what was a "normal weight" needed to improve.
The measurement scheme, which children can opt out of, came under fire in 2005/6 because only 48% of children were weighed.The measurement scheme, which children can opt out of, came under fire in 2005/6 because only 48% of children were weighed.
We're looking at overweight children and not seeing them as overweight Dr David Haslam, National Obesity ForumWe're looking at overweight children and not seeing them as overweight Dr David Haslam, National Obesity Forum
It meant the figures were unreliable as there was likely to be a higher rate of opt-out among heavier children.It meant the figures were unreliable as there was likely to be a higher rate of opt-out among heavier children.
In response the government said, while it did not want to make the scheme compulsory, it would set a target of 80% uptake.In response the government said, while it did not want to make the scheme compulsory, it would set a target of 80% uptake.
The latest figures from the 876,416 children weighed show 22.9% of those in reception (aged four to five) and 31.6% of those in year six (aged 10-11) are overweight or obese.The latest figures from the 876,416 children weighed show 22.9% of those in reception (aged four to five) and 31.6% of those in year six (aged 10-11) are overweight or obese.
In both age groups, boys are more likely than girls to be obese.In both age groups, boys are more likely than girls to be obese.
TrendsTrends
The report said that data was still missing for some children and further analysis suggested that rates of obesity in 11-year olds could be slightly underestimated.The report said that data was still missing for some children and further analysis suggested that rates of obesity in 11-year olds could be slightly underestimated.
Public health minister Dawn Primarolo said the figures had come as no surprise, but she was encouraged that a higher proportion of children had been weighed and measured. href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/nol/newsid_7250000/newsid_7255500?redirect=7255509.stm&news=1&bbram=1&nbwm=1&bbwm=1&nbram=1&asb=1" onClick="javascript:newsi.utils.av.launch({el:this});return false;">Dr on obese babies Public health minister Dawn Primarolo said the figures had come as no surprise, but she was encouraged that a higher proportion of children had been weighed and measured.
"Knowing how many children are overweight or obese and spotting trends is key to ensuring that families, communities, public services, industry and government take the right action in tackling obesity."Knowing how many children are overweight or obese and spotting trends is key to ensuring that families, communities, public services, industry and government take the right action in tackling obesity.
"We recently published the £372m obesity strategy, which supports creation of a healthy society for children and adults in all fields - from early years, to schools and food, from sport and physical activity to planning, transport, the health service and other areas.""We recently published the £372m obesity strategy, which supports creation of a healthy society for children and adults in all fields - from early years, to schools and food, from sport and physical activity to planning, transport, the health service and other areas."
Dr David Haslam, clinical director of the National Obesity Forum, said if you went into a school playground you would not predict that many children were overweight.Dr David Haslam, clinical director of the National Obesity Forum, said if you went into a school playground you would not predict that many children were overweight.
"Our perception of weight has changed. We're looking at overweight children and not seeing them as overweight."Our perception of weight has changed. We're looking at overweight children and not seeing them as overweight.
"The reason we have these figures is because being overweight is a health risk - we should be paying more attention.""The reason we have these figures is because being overweight is a health risk - we should be paying more attention."
He welcomed the fact that a higher proportion of children were taking part in the scheme.He welcomed the fact that a higher proportion of children were taking part in the scheme.
"The figures need to be used to put pressure on the government and the food industry and schools themselves."The figures need to be used to put pressure on the government and the food industry and schools themselves.
"It's a serious and major problem.""It's a serious and major problem."