Child obesity could store up health problems for adults

Girls are getting fatter quicker than boys, according to the Archives of Disease in Childhood.

Children's waists have increased by 4cm over the last two decades, claims the new research.

Health workers fear the implications for heart disease and other problems. Five hundred children from 18 schools from 1996 to 2001 were measured.

Without action to tackle obesity, England may soon end up the overweight capital of Europe Paul Burstow, Lib Dem health spokesman

One of the report's authors Dr Mary Rudolf, of East Leeds Primary Care Trust, told the British Medical Journal: "This figure is all the more disturbing when one reflects on how many notches on a belt this represents."

Liberal Democrat health spokesman Paul Burstow said the figures should act as "a wake-up call" for the government.

The results for the 500 children were compared with results from previous research.

Waist size is seen as an important indicator because of the link between this in adulthood and an increased risk of heart disease.

In 2001 315 children from the group, of an average age 13, were examined.

Their gain in weight exceeded what would be expected against a normal gain in height.

In 1996 one in 10 boys and one in eight girls were overweight

But by 2001 one in seven boys and one in six girls were overweight.

Waist circumferences were also "significantly larger" than in 1996.

Initiatives under way

Dr Rudolf said the data were a cause for concern.

"The previous rise in body mass index levels reported through primary schools has continued into secondary school and emphasises the need for more rigorous efforts to stem the tide of child obesity."

Mr Burstow said: "Without action to tackle obesity, England may soon end up the overweight capital of Europe.

"We all have personal responsibility for our own weight but the food industry could do more.

At the moment we are seeing too many reports and too little action.

"More must be done to encourage active lifestyles and promote healthy diets."

The government said recently it was "very concerned" over the levels of obesity.

The Department of Health said a number of long-term initiatives were in progress.