Thirty-one years ago, approximately 15 per cent of 10-11 year olds in the UK were classified as obese. Today the figure is 22.2 per cent.
There has been a significant shift in rates of childhood obesity over the past three or four decades, a condition which is known to persist into adulthood.
The increase in rates of childhood obesity will be reflected in employment statistics over the coming decades, and will lead to wider costs to the economy in terms of health and social care.
Studies demonstrate – and my experience as a GP would support this – that the healthcare costs of obesity significantly increase as people age.
So a 25-year-old who is morbidly obese might get out of their house and be able to care for themselves, whereas a 60-year-old may become housebound, depending on the state or on relatives for care and support.
Psychological compulsion
I have worked as a GP in a deprived inner-city practice as well as a more affluent rural community, and the difference in levels of independence between the elderly populations in these areas is stark.
When people remain slim and active in older age, they are markedly more likely to be healthy and independent. For example, if I am consulting with a patient over the telephone, I will always check their latest BMI to gauge their likely level of mobility or wider health needs.
Furthermore, increased rates of obesity are now also being accelerated by the growing prevalence of smartphone addiction, which is especially notable amongst younger people.
Our casual exposure of babies, toddlers and primary-aged children to mobile devices is producing a generation with a psychological compulsion to use handheld devices.