Action Needed to Tackle Obesity "Time-Bomb"

1.09.20pm GMT Thu 15th Mar 2007

Cornwall's five Liberal Democrat MPs have expressed their concern at the news that one in seven children in the South West are clinically obese.

According to the figures released by the South West Public Health Observatory, as part of Obesity Awareness Week, only 10 percent of children consume 5 or more pieces of fruit and vegetables - significantly lower than the England average.

Commenting, Julia Goldsworthy MP said:

"These figures are shocking, but hardly surprising. The extent of the obesity epidemic has been known for some time and more action is needed to address this ticking time bomb. Childhood obesity can cause all sorts of problems in later life, including diabetes, heart disease and infertility.

"I know that there is a lot of good work being done locally to tackle this problem, such as the sale of fruit in school tuckshops and more after school sports clubs. However, the Government also has a role to play and I am disappointed by the lack of co-ordination between different Government departments towards addressing what is a very serious health issue."

Dan Rogerson MP added:

"Good exercise habits are key to tackling childhood obesity and it is essential that these are learned early on. Liberal Democrat research has found that 70% of children leaving school this year will drop out of sports altogether as they leave the school gates. Yet money promised by the Government to schools to improve sports facilities is not getting there, while school playing fields have declined in number in the last 10 years."