The rapid rise in child obesity may be levelling off, experts claim

The rapid rise in child obesity may be levelling off, according to figures.

Experts from the National Heart Forum looked at children's levels of being overweight or obese that have been forecast to 2020. Analysis using data from the past few years indicated a 17% drop in the forecast number of overweight girls aged two to 11 and a 4% drop in the anticipated numbers of obese girls of the same age.

The figures indicated a 5% drop in the forecast number of overweight boys, and a 7% drop in the anticipated numbers of obese boys, of the same age.

Public Health Minister Gillian Merron said: "Obesity is one of the biggest health challenges we face. There are currently 1.5 million children and 25 million adults that are overweight or obese, leaving them at increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart and liver disease.

"The encouraging news that child obesity may be levelling off is thanks to the hard work of families, schools and the NHS across England, supported by Government initiatives such as 5 A Day and Healthy Schools, which have overseen improvements to school food and school sport.

"But obesity levels are still too high and we need to keep the momentum going - that's why I'm delighted to see our campaigns such as the Change4Life Healthy Towns being so successful.

"We'll only turn the tide on obesity for good if everyone - Government, families and industry - play their part."

The Change4Life Healthy Towns, launched a year ago this month, are Dudley, Halifax, Sheffield, Tower Hamlets, Thetford, Middlesbrough, Manchester, Tewkesbury and Portsmouth.

The towns, which each received a share of a £30 million Government investment, have spent the last year creating opportunities for their local communities to become active and eat healthily.