No improvement in the levels of obese Scottish children in the last decade, says report
More than one-fifth of children starting primary school in Scotland are at risk of being obese or overweight, according to new figures.
Obesity or being overweight among four- and five-year-olds has not improved over the last decade in Scotland, as 22.1 per cent of children had an unhealthy body mass index in the 2015/16 school year compared to 22.3 per cent in 2006/7.
Figures released by NHS information services agency, ISD Scotland, also found that children from less deprived areas were more likely to be of a healthy weight. In least deprived areas 81 per cent of children were classified as a healthy weight compared to 73 per cent in the most deprived areas.
The 34-page report said: “There is continued concern over the levels of overweight and obesity among children in Scotland. Obesity during childhood is a health concern in itself, but can also lead to physical and mental health problems in later life, such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, back pain, increased risk of certain cancers, low self-esteem and depression.”
In November, an international study of physical activity among children found Scotland joint bottom of a 38-country list.
Scottish Liberal Democrat Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP – Scottish Parliament health and sport committee member – said “ministers must step up their efforts to promote physical activity and healthy eating”.
Lorraine Tulloch, Obesity Action Scotland programme lead, added: “Unfortunately the data published indicates that there has been no improvement in the rates of obesity and overweight in children entering primary school in Scotland. It is all too easy to become complacent about this repetitive message on obesity but we all need to understand that childhood obesity is a ticking timebomb of health problems.
“This situation can no longer continue.”
Scotland obesity schoolchildrenObesity strategy an opportunity for the sport and leisure sector, says PHE
Experts and campaigners slam obesity strategy
Schools to play key role in fight against childhood obesity
Childhood obesity strategy further delayed, with sugar tax and physical activity unlikely to feature
FEATURE: Editor’s letter – Combatting child obesity
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by




















