Hertfordshire: Childhood obesity in county 'cause of concern'

Almost a third of 10 and 11-year-olds in Hertfordshire are overweight or obese, councillors have been told.

Public health outcomes data also showed 20% of four and five-years old were heavier than their ideal weight.

Sarah Perman, the director of public health at Hertfordshire County Council, said the figures were "a cause of major concern".

"They are far too high and going consistently in the wrong direction," she added.

Ms Perman said overweight or obese children in the country were identified at a young age and signposted to services.

Ron Tindall, a Liberal Democrat councillor, asked whether a lack of physical activity in primary schools was a factor.

Morris Bright, a Conservative councillor and executive member for public health and community safety, warned against blaming schools.

"I think we have to be very careful of abrogating responsibility from parents by blaming it on other institutions such as schools," he said.

But Mr Bright highlighted the role of the county council and suggested that there had to be an approach from all sides.

"I think it's about advising and helping, and not looking like we are lecturing and nanny state, but we are there to help rather than to instruct. But it is a difficult one," he added.

Aideen Dunne, a public health consultant, said that it was a "really complex issue" and highlighted the contributions made by family centres, public health nursing and schools in promoting physical activity and health eating.

"Unfortunately, there's no silver bullet - and it's the combination of all of these activities that will help address this issue," she said.

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