Farron: More must be done to tackle child obesity crisis

Figures released today show that South Lakeland has the lowest level of obesity of any area in Cumbria. South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed this news, but insists that far more still needs to be done to tackle the obesity crisis.

Across Cumbria, one in five Year 6 children are obese, the data reveals. However, in South Lakeland the figure is closer to one in six children, meaning that it has the lowest rate of any area in Cumbria. This figure is the equivalent of over 400 children in South Lakeland, and over 2700 across the county.

Tim said: "While I am pleased that South Lakeland has the lowest level of child obesity in Cumbria, the bottom line is that more still needs to be done to tackle this crisis.

"If we fail to tackle the problem when children are 10 and 11, it will only worsen and ultimately it is the NHS that will be left to deal with the health problems that arise.

"The County and District councils are working hard to promote active lifestyles, such as cycling and getting out into the great outdoors. However, it is clear that the government must be doing far more, including through schools, to promote healthy eating and active lifestyles."