The overlooked factor driving the childhood obesity crisis
A BBC News report suggests that school non-attendance is an overlooked key factor in the childhood obesity crisis, based on observations from specialist NHS weight-loss clinics. The article features Ibbie, a 16-year-old who struggled with severe obesity, particularly during COVID-19 lockdowns when she was away from school, highlighting the lack of routine and increased access to snacks at home.
Why it matters
This article sheds light on a potentially significant, under-recognized contributor to a major public health issue, suggesting that addressing school attendance could be a crucial intervention strategy for childhood obesity. It also highlights the broader impact of disruptions like lockdowns on children's health.
The overlooked factor driving the childhood obesity crisis
Image source, Getty Images By Alice Aylett Roberts The World Tonight, BBC Radio 4 "I loved school. I loved to learn."
Ibbie, 16, always struggled with her weight, but it was during the Covid-19 lockdowns that she started eating even more. She was bullied by classmates over her size, and in her first year of secondary school she stopped attending completely.
Away from the routine of the school day, her weight problems worsened.
"When you are at home 24/7 it is very easy to go into the kitchen to get a snack. It's not the same if you are at school," says Ibbie, from Doncaster.
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