Childhood Obesity

What is childhood obesity?

Obesity is a major public health risk which can cause potential life-threatening problems including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. Overweight and obesity are more common in lower socioeconomic and socially disadvantaged groups and can vary between communities.

There are an estimated 3000 children in Newcastle aged 2-10 who are classified as obese with a further 2600 classified as overweight. These estimates are produced by the Department of Health. Measurements show that schools in areas with higher deprivation are more likely to have higher levels of overweight and obese children.

Partners

• Obesity Strategy Group
• Newcastle City Council
• Newcastle PCT
• Breastfeeding Strategy Steering Group
• Sure Start Children’s Centres
• Early Years Providers
• Health Visiting
• Newcastle Action for Parent and Toddler Groups (NAPI)
• School Sports Partnership
• Newcastle schools
• Healthy Schools team
• Community food initiative

Key documents

• Newcastle Overweight and Obesity strategy (external site)
• Match Fit Programme in schools offering primary pupils tips on exercise and nutrition.

Related information

Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) a shared online information resource for everyone who commissions, provides or uses health, social and children's services in the city.
Lean East project targets 10 primary schools in East Newcastle.
Fusion card is aimed at children and young people aged 5-18 years to increase participation in physical activity.
National Healthy School Status
Sports partnership
School health promotion
Family services directory for a list of local family support services and organisations

Contact

Tony McKenna
Head of Leisure Services
Email: tony.mckenna@newcastle.gov.uk