There is no doubt that the number of overweight and obese children is increasing dramatically; (e.g. in the UK school year 2016/2017 more than a 1 in 3 year 6 primary school children were over-weight or obese), having a devastating impact on both physical and mental health.
Physical Health issues include increased risk of:
• Diabetes
• Asthma
• High blood pressure and heart problems
• Liver problems
• Sleep apnea
• Early onset of puberty
Mental Health issues include:
• Poor self- esteem and stress as a result of being teased or bullied.
• Learning difficulties resulting from stress, e.g. lack of concentration.
• Depression, feeling sad and hopeless, sleeping or crying a lot.
