Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
08 October 2015 09:47
Concerns continue to grow over childhood obesity
Postman Pat, the Tweenies and the characters of Balamory could be recruited to help the nation fight obesity by introducing young TV viewers to healthy eating messages.
That is the view of Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt who also believes the problem should be targeted through the Government's Troubled Families programme.
Childhood obesity can cause future medical problems - something that holidaymakers can address with a medical travel insurance policy - and it can have an impact on youngsters' self-esteem.
During a fringe event at the Conservative Party's autumn conference in Manchester, Mr Hunt was asked if he thought more pressure could be put on public service broadcasters by the Government to help with social change.
He said as the father of a three-year-old daughter who is "sugar crazy", he would love to see CBeebies - the BBC's channel aimed at children aged six and under - telling viewers that "chips are bad".
He admitted doing so could result in the channel losing some of its viewers and acknowledged it is a difficult question for public broadcasters to address.
But Mr Hunt said he hoped the BBC would still play its part by helping to raise people's awareness of issues such as obesity and healthy eating.
He said that while not telling people how to live their lives was at the core of Conservative values, protecting children remains vital.
The Health Secretary said tackling childhood obesity could benefit from the Government being a bit more draconian.
He branded the fact that one in 10 children aged between seven and 11 are clinically obese as a "national disgrace" and said the Government could do more to help parents and schools tackle the issue.
Mr Hunt said that while there was a link between social class and obesity, that could be addressed through the Troubled Families scheme.
This Government programme works to help around 300,000 of the UK's most underprivileged families with long-term issues such as joblessness, crime, anti-social behaviour and truancy.
One in four (23%) UK adults are now said to be obese, a proportion that experts forecast will rise to one in three by the end of this decade.
15 May 2019
Are you heading to one of Europe's best music festivals this summer? Then make sure you read our top ten tips before you leave...
[more...]
17 May 2019
What makes the Monaco Grand Prix so special? From a royal guestlist to a challenging circuit, we take a look at why the Monte Carlo Formula 1 race is so prestigious...
Get inspired for a summer of music, travel and adventure with our guide to some of the best music festivals around Europe.
07 May 2019
Thinking of visiting Spain? There are some excellent reasons to explore the country this spring and summer, from football finals to eating snails - so don't miss out!
Want to learn a new language without the hassle of going to classes? Check out our guide to the best free apps on the market and get yourself holiday-ready in no time.
03 May 2019
Why are there two bank holidays in May? Why do we celebrate May Day? These questions and more are answered in our look at the origins of the May bank holidays...
30 April 2019
Experience the magic of Matera! The 2019 European Capital of Culture, Southern Italy's famous ancient city of caves is the perfect place for a weekend away.
Get inspired for a last-minute getaway this bank holiday weekend! We explore five alternative European city break destinations perfect for a weekend away.
18 April 2019
How much do you know about Spain? Read up on some fascinating facts about Spain and learn more about magical mice, liquid gold and big pay-outs.
16 April 2019
Keen to see first-hand who gets crowned champions of Europe? Europe's biggest football match takes place in Madrid: here's your guide to everything you need to know.
Going away with your children? Beat the stress of travelling with your family with these great travel tips. Here's what you need to know if you're travelling with kids this Easter.
Heading to Madrid? Here's our guide to six must-see places you should visit in the Spanish capital, from food markets to fine art and plenty in between.