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Press Release

MEND responds to rising obesity in primary school leavers

14 December 2011

Paul Sacher, paediatric dietitian and chief research officer at MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition...Do it!), an organisation that provides weight management programmes for families, said:

“With childhood obesity levels rising, it is hugely concerning that not nearly enough is being done to turn the tide on this very serious health epidemic.

"With one in three children overweight or obese in the UK, the government must intervene to protect the health of our nation's children and prevent this crisis from continuing to spiral out of control.

"With the health consequences of obesity including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer currently costing the NHS £5.1bn per year, the significant financial and human costs associated with obesity has never been clearer.

"Socially and financially it makes sense for the government to take action now by funding effective community-based initiatives like MEND, to prevent the 'conveyor-belt' effect of obese children growing up to become obese adults.

“Particularly during this period of radical change within the NHS, it is crucial that the government prioritises childhood obesity and ensures the right funding is made available to the local services that are so vital to the health of our children.”



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