The concern, of course, is that evidence shows obese children tend tobecome obese adults with an increased risk of developing health problemssuch as type two diabetes, coronary heart disease, strokes andcancer.
The Government aims to halt this annual increase by 2010. As part of itsstrategy, the Department of Health recently published guidance to helpfamily doctors and frontline healthcare professionals inform patientsbetter. The idea is that improved education will lead to more informedchoices about lifestyle and eating preferences. GPs are also advised onhow to raise the delicate issue of weight with children.
However, if this approach is to be successful there needs to be moresupport for parents. Help needs to come not only from healthprofessionals but from bodies such as the local council and theirchildren's school.
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