Obesity in children growing

A poor diet and a lack of exercise is causing obesity in children

The number of obese children in Guernsey is growing.

A combination of eating the wrong food and a lack of exercise is making young children put on weight.

Consultant paediatrician Dr Peter Standring says unless the problem is tackled effectively it threatens to become a major public health issue.

Since 1998, the number of obese women in the island has doubled to nearly a quarter, and the number of obese men has trebled to more than 15%.

The figures are contained in a report by the Director of Public Health, Dr David Jeffs.

Now there are fears this trend is spreading to a younger age group and paediatricians are facing longer patient lists.

Health problems

Dr Standring says the condition is particularly difficult to treat because it involves changing deeply ingrained behaviour.

He says obesity does not happen overnight but is the result of weight creeping up over a number of years.

He believes the emphasis must be placed on prevention rather than treatment.

Dr Standring says exercise is the way forward to combat obesity, which can lead to other health problems later in life.

"It reduces the chances of having diabetes, problems with blood pressure, and injuries through not having strong muscles or a fit body.

"There are lots of things to be gained by exercising."