The issue of childhood obesity in the UK is very serious. And the public has their own thoughts on how to address this problem.
Obesity among British children has reached alarming levels, with new NHS data revealing that nearly one in ten preschool children are classified as obese. Experts are increasingly sounding the alarm, warning that childhood obesity is leading to severe health issues such as type 2 diabetes and cancer, and many mental health issues.
These conditions not only impact the child’s quality of life but also warn the healthcare system, with the NHS spending £6.5 billion annually to treat obesity-related health problems.
To combat this growing crisis, health professionals are calling for urgent action.
“Our widening waistlines are costing the NHS and the economy billions of pounds as well as setting kids up for an unhealthy life … “said the public health minister Andrew Gwynne.
In this street interview, we asked the public: What should be done to reduce the problem of obesity among British children?
Sioned, 18, a undergraduate student at Cardiff University
“Government can put more tax on junk food. And the children should be taught the benefits of an active lifestyle from an early age, with the focus on more outdoor activities and more fresh food choices.”
Ali ,24, an Uber Eats deliveryman who comes from Iraq
“I think these children can run in the morning every day to lose weight. And as a deliveryman, I often delivery the KFC or McDonald to some young kids. I think their parents always let them to eat fast food, that is terrible.”
Sam ,28 , a bus driver living in Cardiff
“The government should limit the fast food chains’ advertisements on TV and bus stops, regulate the junk food advertisements aims at kids, and provide more funding on the healthy meals at school.”
Avu ,35 ,a tourist to UK who comes from Sudan
“We need more education in school, about the healthy eating. And the parents should educate their children well, they need to think about the nutrition prepare balanced meals for their families.”
Katie ,46 , a freelance writer living in Cardiff
“There needs to be more public awareness about the calorie control and the impact of sugary drinks. Schools and the local authorities should collaborate to create healthier environment for children,especially in low-come areas.”
Jonathan ,51 ,a photographer who lives locally in Cardiff
“There are so many sugar products in the shops, but the children need more options, not just the snack food and sugar drink. And the school can offer more practical lessons on nutrition, encourage them to move more.”
Julie Jones,69,a retired environmental officer who lives locally in Cardiff
“I think the fast food need be more expensive because then people won’t buy, and the parents should be more sensitive. Because you know, sometimes the mom and dad can not control themselves, so their kids tend to be fat.”