Obese children likely to die early than healthy peers, says study

Four in five obese children are likely to be overweight for life, losing 10-20 years of their life

Four in five obese school children are likely to be overweight for life, losing 10 to 20 years of their life, says a new study.

The study conducted by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) termed the central government’s disjointed approach as responsible for poor child health, urging an end to the advertising of unhealthy foods on the media specially TV before the crisis, The Independent reported.

Voicing serious concerns, the RCPCH said that the current public health spending is over five percent lower than it was in 2013-14.



A senior RCPCH professor said that four-fifths of obese children will remain obese as adults, losing between 10-20 years of healthy life.

She called for a long vision for the sake of the nation’s wellbeing and prosperity.

According to the study, England is lagging behind Scotland and Wales in child health.

Another official said that child health is not being given the political attention it deserves in Westminster.

“While policies such as the soft drinks industry levy and new tobacco control plan are to be applauded, the approach is piecemeal,” he continued.

Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health is now urging each national government to stick to “child health in all policies” approach. It added that whenever legislation is introduced, its impact on child health must be considered.