LGA calls for new childhood obesity strategy over diabetes fears

The Local Government Association (LGA) has urged the government to do more to tackle childhood obesity due to growing fears about the proliferation of diabetes.

Coinciding with Diabetes Week, the organisation has drawn attention to the latest figures showing there are 533 children and young people, including 11 aged nine or under, with type 2 diabetes in England and Wales.

Unlike type 1 diabetes, the type 2 variant is normally only seen in adults, due to the fact it is closely linked to lifestyle causes such as unhealthy eating or a lack of exercise. Indeed, a survey of children under 17 found that 95 percent of those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were overweight, while 83 percent were obese.

As such, the LGA – which represents more than 370 councils with responsibility for public health – has reiterated its calls for teaspoon sugar labelling and a reduction of sugar content in fizzy drinks, as well as greater provision of tap water in schools and restaurants.

It is also calling for councils to be given powers to ban junk food advertising near schools as part of a revamped childhood obesity strategy.

Councillor Izzi Seccombe, community wellbeing spokeswoman for the LGA, said: "This is a wake-up call for the nation as the government faces a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take radical game-changing action in its forthcoming childhood obesity strategy. We cannot afford to delay any longer."