Catch 22 for obese children
17 July 2009
Current research highlights that obesity affects mobility which increases sedentary behaviour. This should act as a call to action to reduce the number of obese children in the UK. 
Dr David Haslam, Chair of the National Obesity Forum
Obese children are more likely to have musculoskeletal problems, making it more difficult for them to exercise and lose excess weight, according to a study published this week in the Annals of Family Medicine.
The research, carried out by scientists in The Netherlands, looked at musculoskeletal problems in overweight and obese children compared to children within a normal weight range.
The researchers looked at data from nearly 2,500 children aged two to 17 who had been included in the second Dutch National Survey of Family Practice in 2001. The children's age, height, weight, and any musculoskeletal problems were recorded. GP consultations for musculoskeletal problems were also collected for each child. The data was separated into two groups: normal weight; and overweight or obese.
The children who were obese or overweight had more musculoskeletal problems (22 percent) than children who were a normal weight for their height (18 percent). Obese and overweight children also consulted their GP with musculoskeletal problems more than normal weight children.
Dr David Haslam, chair of the National Obesity Forum, told the Bupa health information team: "This piece of research supports the evidence that overweight and obese children have an increased risk of musculoskeletal problems. There is no system in the body that isn't affected by obesity and it's alarming that the number of overweight and obese children is continuing to rise."
He added: "Current research highlights that obesity affects mobility which increases sedentary behaviour. This should act as a call to action to reduce the number of obese children in the UK."
Dr Haslam suggested that more needs to be done to promote healthy living in children: "It's important that children get up and get moving. Parents should encourage brisk activity such as swimming and games in the park. They need to make lasting improvements to their child's diet."
The best way to improve your child's health is to make long-term changes to eating habits, while increasing the amount of activity that he or she does. Children should be aiming to do at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, but three out of 10 boys and four out of 10 girls don't reach this target. Family attitudes and habits towards food and exercise need to change to support children and achieve lasting results.
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Related information
- Healthy eating - health factsheet
- Physical activity - health factsheet
- Obesity in children - health factsheet
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