Jun 08 2010
ONS figures identify London as having highest level of child obesity – MEND responds
Harry MacMillan, Chief Executive of MEND, a social enterprise that provides free community-based healthy living programmes, said:
"The figures released today by the Office for National Statistics reflect London's polarised society where children from poorer families are not given the same healthy start in life they deserve and that their peers from wealthier boroughs enjoy.
"It is very concerning that although London enjoys above average health overall, the capital's childhood obesity levels are one of the highest in the country.
"Giving families access to healthy living information through evidence-based and cost-effective courses such as the MEND Programme, is a proven way to reduce health inequalities. We hope that these figures will urge the Government to invest in further healthy living programmes, as a solution to secure healthier, happier, fitter children in London. Only then will Boris Johnson's pledge to reduce health inequalities become a reality."
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To speak with a London MEND case study family or MEND obesity expert, please contact Claire Nevill at Claire.nevill@mendcentral.org or 020 7231 7225. For out-of-hours enquries please call 07872 506996.
Notes to editors
- MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition...Do it!) is a social enterprise that runs free healthy lifestyle programmes for two – 13 year olds and their families
- The MEND Programme was devised by Great Ormond Street Hospital and the University College London's Institute of Child Health
- The MEND Programme is run in over 350 sites across the UK per term and has helped over 17,000 families
- MEND's healthy lifestyle programmes are developed and tested by obesity specialists for delivery by a range of public and private sector partners.
- MEND is a National Third Sector Partner of the Department of Health's Change4Life campaign.
- www.mendcentral.org
