Our Youngsters Put in Spotlight in Obesity Study; Statistics Questioned, but Agreement Action Is Needed

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Byline: Helen Rae

OBESITY rates among primary school children in the North East are among the highest in England, according to new statistics. Figures released by the NHS Information Centre yesterday show that 21.4% of Year 6 pupils in the region were classed as obese in 2010/11, compared to an England average of 19%.

The North East is the second worst in the country - only marginally eclipsed by London at 21.9% - prompting health fears for future generations.

The statistics are based on calculations of Body Mass Index, or BMI, which are used to check if people are a healthy weight for their height.

BMI is used to classify people as underweight, …