Obesity
The scale of childhood obesity has been exaggerated, researchers have claimed.
The Social Issues Research Council (SIRC), which is funded by food companies as well as the government, said average child weights have only risen slightly.
SIRC, which compared average weights in 1995 and 2003, said obesity levels have started to rise among older teenagers but the middle-aged were most at risk.
However, the National Obesity Forum insisted childhood obesity was increasing and had to be addressed.
Stakeholder Response: British Retail Consortium (BRC)
Sarah Winterton, director of public affairs at the BRC, said: "Data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey of Children and Young People Aged four to 18 years shows that boys derived a mean of 35.4 per cent of their food energy from fat and girls 35.9 per cent. Given that the dietary reference value for total dietary fat intake is set at 35 per cent of food energy, the data suggests that over consumption of fat is not the issue.
"The amount of physical activity has fallen more sharply than a fall in calorific intake. In other words, the rise in obesity is as a result of an imbalance in the 'Calories In : Calories Out' equation.
"It is true that eating patterns are established in childhood, and education is therefore vital. The BRC reiterates its call on government to educate all consumers about healthy lifestyles, which would include clear advice about the contribution that all foods make to a healthy diet as well as the importance of physical activity in improving health.
"Retailers already play a part in delivering the healthy eating message by providing a wide range of well-labelled, convenient, attractive and accessible products, which allows consumers to opt for a healthier approach to food and drink.
"The provision of safe accessible places for children to play or adults to walk, jog, or ride a bike, will encourage physical activity and we therefore welcome government’s national delivery plan for increasing physical activity."
Stakeholder Response: Health Development Agency
Professor Mike Kelly, HDA director of evidence and guidance, said:"The real issue is the danger of creating the false impression that there is no problem. The unfortunate thing is that patterns of eating, exercise and so on are set in childhood and that's why the emphasis has been on children.
Stakeholder Response: Canderel
A spokeswoman for Canderel told ePolitix.com: "Tackling obesity, at any age, is a priority. Canderel shares the National Obesity Forum's concerns regarding the urgency in the need to address the rise of obesity in the
"It is clear that children in the
"A holistic approach to tackling obesity is required, encompassing diet, physical activity and behaviour. Canderel can play its part by offering an alternative to sugar - switching to a low calorie sweetener is a safe way to reduce people's daily calorie intake - including children. This is linked to the need to change behaviour and unhealthy eating habits."
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