Overweight four year olds are 85% more likely than their peers to be dangerously obese by the age of 40 claimed a shocking announcement from Carnegie Weight Management. The warning came as Carnegie Clubs launch the very first in a brand new scheme of “early intervention” for children.
The research team produced an Obesity Timeline showing that our kids’ future BMI can reach levels of 40 (approx 20st/127 kg) as tots progress to adulthood leading to problems from osteoarthritis and depression through to heart disease and diabetes.
Carnegie Clubs, developed and provided by Carnegie Weight Management, are vital as research shows that 50% of parents and health care professionals underestimate levels of obesity in children, therefore parents need to be equipped with information and services to make better lifestyle choices on their child’s behalf.
Professor Paul Gately said this research should empower families to start to take action to change the course of this predicted path:
"Action at any age can shape a far better outcome for today's 2.8 million obese children. What our research shows, however, is the reality that if problems are allowed to develop in children as young as four that progression into adult obesity is more likely and more extreme and will, in many cases, lead to a shorter life.
“Increasingly proactive Primary Care Trusts such as NHS Doncaster are addressing the problems by providing Carnegie Clubs, weight management programmes, aimed at four year olds and their families. If habits are altered early we can reduce adult health implications throughout the rest of their lives – the impact can and mustn’t be underestimated.”
The difference between a healthy weight of a 40 year old male (11st, 5’9) and an obese 40 year old male (20st) is 9st (126lbs). Over the 36 years this means consuming only an extra 35 calories per day (12,775 per year) will lead to a lifetime of obesity – this is as little as one extra chocolate per day!
NHS Doncaster are leading the way in commissioning weight management services for younger children as part of a £500,000 investment to combat obesity in the area. Carnegie Clubs, are now available for children as young as four and aim to work with parents to combat the misperceptions of childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles and physical activity for overweight young people and their families. There are still free places left at Clubs for 4-10 year olds are running at Adwick Leisure Centre, Doncaster and Clubs for 11-17 year olds are available at Ian Rossington Sports Centre. Both Clubs begin on Saturday 16th January and will run for 12 weeks.
Applications for Doncaster Clubs can be completed online at www.carnegieweightmanagement.com/doncaster or to find Clubs in your area visit www.carnegieweightmanagement.com or contact 0113 812 5233.
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