Urban Health Report on Childhood Obesity in London Borough of Harrow

This report discusses childhood obesity among children aged 5-15 in London Borough of Harrow. It identifies the urban determinants, public health consequences, and intervention strategies to address the issue. The report highlights the prevalence of childhood obesity, its impact on physical and psychological health, and the measures taken by the government to address the issue.

An Urban health Report on Childhood obesity among children 5 to
15 age in London Borough of Harrow
1

Contents
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................3
Rationale of why this is an urban health issue.......................................................................3
Describe the urban and determinants.....................................................................................4
Identify public health consequences & implications.............................................................5
Strategies and intervention.....................................................................................................6
Interventions developed.........................................................................................................7
Recommendations..................................................................................................................9
CONCLUSION........................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES.........................................................................................................................12
2

INTRODUCTION
Childhood obesity is one of the major public health crisis international as well as
national level. The major prevalence of childhood obesity has been rapidly increasing the rate
over few years. This is caused by imbalance coordination between calories which intake and
utilised in proper manner. On the basis of different factors, it would be developed the cause
of obesity among children’s. Typically, it focuses on the social, physical as well as
psychological way to identify health problem and caused due to the level of obesity. Hence,
the purpose of report is to identify the different factors that are influencing the level of
childhood obesity, a variety of proper interventions, government based actions addressing the
obesity. Moreover, it is also identified the challenges ahead for managing and controlling
situation of epidemic. On the other hand, it will discuss the intervention strategies that are
always supports to prevent and control the obesity related health issue among children 5-15
age.
Rationale of why this is an urban health issue
Obesity is the most common public health crisis among children 5-15 age, identifying
the range of weights for individuals if increased the level of idea weight. Children obesity is
also considered the urban health issue and developing a complex health situation or
condition. In different countries, the prevalence of childhood obesity is always increasing and
developed on regular basis. In some cases, the development can be reduced the obesity health
issues and needs to be monitored the overweight of children by using national health data.
On the basis of urban health report, it has been found that 16.9% of children in age
group of 5-15 old have identified the overweight estimation. In 2010, healthy children have
marked obesity as increasing the level of health problem or issue (Robinson, 2021). It would
be increased over the years. In some cases, it is also developing the adverse situation of
mortality as well as morbidity. Undoubtedly, children obesity is main issue in current
scenario.
The childhood obesity is considered the most common urban health issue because it is
directly related to the other complex health problems such as high level of asthma, bone &
joint problems, type-2 diabetes, heart related disease. These kind of complication are majorly
faced by children who have already suffering from obesity and likely to experience of
depression, low self-esteem, bullying and isolation. Based on the report, it has been examined
that children who live in urban areas which tends to have faced a high risk or threats of
3

obesity. This kind of thing would be developed unhealthy dietary behaviour. Majorly, it can
be identified the urban area as compared with rural areas. The study has showed that rapid
urbanization accounts for significantly shifting in the dietary patterns, physical activity level.
It tends to be increased the risks or threats for children obesity 5-15 age group.
In urban areas, obesity is the most common public health related issue and majorly
identified among children who are living in urban place. It tends to have increased the level
of risk or threat such as overweight situation (Kühnis and Jamnicki-Abegg, 2020). Some kind
of unnecessary healthy diets, behaviour are affecting health condition of children. This is why
because they were tried to intake sugar level items. In urban area, the behaviour of children
are quite different because they are always trying to consume unhealthy food items and
always selected accordingly. That’s why, it has been considered the obesity as serious issue
which associated with mental as well as physical health of children.
Describe the urban and determinants
The impact on the health issue which is childhood obesity among children 5-15 age has
been majorly impacting the urban area of London Borough of Harrow. Childhood obesity has
been the major aspect which has been addressing the negative impacts on the health of the
children who are facing the problems and issues regarding the physical health problems at
large scale (Dharmarajah, Fawcett and et.al., 2020). When there is increased risk of emotional
problems the children face the problem of obesity. Children and the weight problems are
addressed and major part of the health issue which identifies that the children of age 5-15 are
facing the problems related to obesity at large scale. Due to childhood obesity, the children
are having certain eating disorders and are impacted by the adverse effects of how their
physical heath is being affected. Children when facing the problem of obesity are also facing
the issues which gives arise to depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder.
There has been research which has been undertaken for analysing the risks and
measures as to how the obesity is creating problems and issues among the children of age 5-
15. It has been found that there are major links which are growing such as number of fast
food joints in London Borough of Harrow which is building the childhood obesity risks and
aspects among the children at large scale (Khateri, Moradi and et.al., 2019). There are certain
measures which are identified for the urban health issue which is childhood obesity among
children 5-15 age in the area of London Borough of Harrow. Children’s weight is measured
by the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) at Reception (age 4-5) and Year 6
4

(age 10-11). Harrow has a prevalence which is similar of excess weight (59.0%, CI 54.0%-
64.0%) compared to the average weight scale of England (63.8%, CI 63.0% - 64.0%), and a
similar level to London (57.3%, CI 56.4%-58.2%). For protecting the children from the
obesity issues there are certain measures which are being undertaken at London Borough of
Harrow. These measures are –
Initiating and framing the programmes such as National Child Measurement
Programme. This helps in assessing the obesity and overweight among children of 5 - 15 age
group (Al-Tufaily, Ibrahim and Hassnawi, 2021). There are weight management programmes
which are identified and this is helping the children of London Borough of Harrow to
participate in such programmes to be aware of the urban health issue which London Borough
of Harrow is facing and is determined as childhood obesity.
Figure: 1 Obesity statistics
(Source: Obesity statistics, 2021)
Identify public health consequences & implications
The public health implications are related to the changes in the children body and
showing the seriousness of obesity in the different disorders. At certain point, the childhood
obesity can be represented both long-term and short-term problem. It may be developed the
excess of weight and increased the level of blood pressure. Based on the urban report, it has
5

been examined the information which shows level of obesity and tends to exerts global
impact on the inflammation.
The several consequences of obesity related to the physical as well as emotional well-
being. In some cases, it is also emerged in the children and identify obesity the most serious
public health issue. It has been determined the level of overweight and obesity developed in
the children and directly affecting physical as well as psychological health. The consequences
of overweight will be exposed the high level of disability, and chances of premature death. In
particularly, it focuses on the situation of children who are suffering from obesity and also
facing a critical health issues (Nobari and et.al., 2019). Due to the modern lifestyle, children
can easily feel complex situation of overweight and then increasing the level of poor self-
esteem. On the other hand, some children carrying high overweight and looks very fat. This
can relate to the body mass index (BMI), which provide a right guideline and relation to the
height. The situation may arise because of lifestyle issues- too much activity, calories from
drinking and foods. These are considered the main contributors of children obesity. It might
have played an important factors regarding hormonal imbalance. Children obesity 5-15 age
group often causes major complications in the context of physical, emotional as well as social
well-being.
On the other hand, the implications of childhood obesity are basically representing the
complex path in terms of health problems. In some situation, children obesity can be
increased the level of poor self-esteem, depression. It is directly affecting physical as well as
psychological condition. In another, the studies has been indicated that children with obesity
experience 60% to 65% as chances of bullying. Many children who’s aged between 5-15
years have faced a negative experience. During critical situation, it is also trigger the feelings
of shame and increased the depression, low self-esteem (Karaketir and et.al., 2022). So, it is
important to understand the health implications and affects on the every aspect of health
condition or situation. Based on urban report, it has been observed that children obesity issue
increased from 5 to 10% between 2007- 08. It has been demonstrated the data or information
that age 5-15 children’s have faced situation of obesity issue and continued to increase from
5% to 18%. In additional, it has been identified the implications of urban health issue such as
children obesity. It would be developed a critical aspect of children when they have faced
threat of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and also increased level of cholesterol.
Children obesity can be increased threat of large amount of insulin. In another way, the
physical effects is also reflecting on the entire body functionality and causing discomfort
6

because of increasing weight on join, muscle. In some cases, obesity is also damaged the
liver.
Strategies and intervention
The entire world is undergoing the concept of nutritional approach and
epidemiological features by fulfilling the level of deficiencies. On the basis of evidence, it
has been estimated the rate of urban areas where it has been rapidly increasing the situation of
children obesity. It is the most common public health issue which is directly affecting entire
body capability. Obesity can be reached at the level of epidemic among different nations.
Usually, it has been identified the rate of obesity which is closely related to 60% (Zhang and
Zheng, 2022). In 21st century, it has been increased the challenges because rate of obesity
among children. It is affecting low and medium nations, especially in the urban settings. In
2010, many children have suffered from overweight and estimated to 42 million.
Childhood obesity treatment should be involved in the combination of lifestyle and
identify changes in the body. Some kind of effective strategies are used to reduce the level of
energy intake, physical activity and handle change behaviour associated with physical as well
as eating behaviour. In some cases, children are not used to follow a procedure so that it is
possible to increase complex situation of obesity.
On the basis of investigation, it has been examined the strategies that are always
supports for identifying the urban health problem such as childhood obesity.
Identifying if children is overweight- it is the most common strategy which can be
used by family members, identify what kind of changes occurs in the children’s diet and
measure the level of weight. For example- All schooler children from 5 to 15 years have
focused on the individual body structure, understanding the pattern of growth. In some cases,
it is also assessing the obesity among children which is difficult to handle because it is
unpredictable to measure growth of child. It should be required to the consult with health
professionals, using a proper treatment procedure to measure weight, height.
Promote a healthy lifestyle- It is another important strategy in order to promote the
lifestyle of children at initial stage. The significant role of family members in their strategy to
identify daily diet of child. Typically, it provide healthy diet after doing any physical activity.
This kind of approach will help to increase the level of physical activity and also reduce the
health related risks or threats (Hatami Marbini and et.al., 2021). In some situation, it is
helping young children where they can develop own awareness about nutrition, adapting
7

healthy eating habits. Undoubtedly, Children from 5 to 15 years were encouraged to adopt the
best healthy eating attitude, behaviour. In order to maintain coordination between physical as
well as psychological behaviour.
Helping the overweight child- This kind of strategy is related to the loss of weight
which has become common factor in the obesity. Generally, it can be identified in the
children 5 to 15 age group. Since, the children bodies are developing and growing. It should
not putting unwanted diet and other physician supervises one of the medical complication. In
this way, it is important strategy in order to address the situation of children obesity.
Before implementing the effective strategies and prevention for obesity among
children’s. It would be required to focus on the upstream determinants related to the children
obesity. As discussed above strategies, it is closely interconnected with children those aged in
between 5 to 15. It is very important aspect to understand the effectiveness and considered
the priority which has been given by experts, professionals. In some cases, it will be reducing
the obesity conducive culture as well as environment (Sarni, Kochi and Suano-Souza, 2022).
Whenever, it is targeting to the central system which needs to be reduced the prevalence of
children obesity. At certain point, it would be implementing effective policies or procedures
actions that will be developing safe environment. Some kind of effective nutrition labelling
and restriction on unhealthy diet plan.
Figure: 2 the prevalence of children obesity, 2022
8

(Source: Obesity among children from 5 to 15 age group, 2022)
Interventions developed
Children obesity is one of the major public health related issue in London. The
complications can be caused because of the obesity and server, continue to affect the serious
condition of children. Hence, it would be required to identify the urban health issue like
children obesity at every possible manner and implementing suitable prevention with the help
of interventions or motivation strategies (Sarni, Kochi and Suano-Souza, 2022). Without any
doubt, children obesity is the most challenging issue which could be required to tackle its
complexity through effective manner. It depends on the different factors to achieve desirable
goals or objectives.
Family based life style related intervention- This kind of approach is related to the
family bounding which expressed the strong structure in terms of behaviour aspect. Family
members are always influencing the children regarding behaviour, lifestyle and attitudes. In
this way, it is important aspect to find the best possible intervention through family settings.
It is beneficial to change the nature, behaviour towards over-eating concept (Nasir, High and
Nasir, 2021). Nowadays, every children’s have tried to select or choose unhealthy food items.
In another way, it is also trying to reduce the physical activities. This kind of intervention is
helping to measure critical condition of obesity and prevent in future. It can be possible due
to the intervention. Some kind of weight control intervention can be developed or sustained
by giving major support and implementing variety of strategies from parent’s sides.
Community-based interventions- It is majorly played an important role in order to
maintain healthy lifestyle of children who’s aged between 5 to 15. The community based
intervention is related to the different factors such as ethnicity, race, and socio-economic
status and geographic. Different kind of resources are used to promote healthy nutrition diet
and also changing behaviour or attitude (Sarni, Kochi and Suano-Souza, 2022). Without any
doubt, community support should be considered invaluable because it is always
implementing suitable interventions, organising the best social events or program. The
community members are always trying to help children so that they can easily accessible
healthy food item and select right options. This kind of process is encouraging the level of
healthy nutrition and accessible by individuals. In some cases, community enterprise will be
conducting program or event so that they can easily promote physical activity-based program
for children.
9

On the other hand, Programs are like giving the group activity and spending a lot of
time with children, family members. In this way, it has been developed the situation when
children with easy to analyse the different facilities, supervised regarding physical education.
Preventions intervention in the context of children obesity
It has been conducted the best prevention programs which will be controlling the
complex situation of obesity among children. Usually, it is modifying the behaviour as well
as social aspect in the development of obesity. Some kind of necessary prevention programs
will always supporting to give best education and targeting the large populations. Many
healthcare professionals, experts are getting more advice their family members, children
especially tracking or monitoring the urban health problem (di Palmo and et.al., 2021). By
using State or federal action, it deals with complex situation of children obesity and directing
all kind of food items. Other kind of actions are helping to improve level of transportation,
giving safe or clean surrounding for children.
Hospital based interventions- This kind of intervention is related to identify the
critical situation of obesity and focused on the complications which are important aspect. For
example- Children obesity 5 to 15 years needs a proper advice or suggestion of weight
management. This kind of weight management program has recommended by professionals
to eliminate or remove negative thing. Medical professionals are considered the benefits or
advantages to the children and extremely obese people to avoid complex situation of urban
health issue such as obesity.
Recommendations
Physical lifestyle advice-
As identified the active Harrow strategy and innovation of dashboard from 2020 to
2025. It promotes the level of children obesity in recently. Children obesity is the most
common issue which is likely to develop or create health inequalities. Whenever, many
people work within the community and should be included in which promoting the level of
physical activity. In some cases, it is also signposting towards physical opportunities. In order
to reduce the urban health issue such as children obesity (Bates and et.al., 2020). It suggested
that promote the concept of weight management. It should be considered the best intervention
and promote the physical activity options. This kind of approach is developing greater
opportunity for children where they will be adopting healthy diets.
10

In some situation, professionals will provide the best advice, counselling regards of
training on the concept of weight management. It should be considered the range of options
and improving the level of capacity.
Healthy lifestyle suggestion-
It has been provided the better guidance related to the healthy weight for children who
have already suffering from overweight due to obesity. All professionals, experts are giving
the best treatment, care options and take into account people, identifying their specific
requirements, preferences or choices (Lin and et.al., 2019). All kind of necessary advice
needs to be given on the basis of children age from 5 to 15. In some cases, it would be
developed the critical situation of obesity and also identified major issues in future.
Another suggestion is to target the large number of population and provide the
advance regarding benefits or advantages of maintaining the weight. It is always participated
into active session and target people who have faced situation of high risks or threats. To
increase the level of awareness among children’s, family members. It helps to reduce the high
risks because of overweight situation. A useful messages are relevant & specific way to
handle the different culture or environment.
All kind of health related experts, professionals are always supported to the people if
they have found suspect of overweight children 5 to 15 age group. In particularly, it is right
way to adopt better suggestion, advice. This can be developed a strong healthier connection
between children’s.
Another suggestion is related to training session, which is always supported to
children by health care professionals. Some kind of skills and knowledge uses by experts to
give better counselling for individuals. It relates to the weight condition and include GPs,
health visitor and nurses.
Activity level-
One of the important factor that is linked with the concept of obesity and lifestyle of
children. In recent years, it has been increasing the view or opinion of family members and
identify behaviour, attitude. It was completely depending on the certain situation and how
children’s are consumed the different food items such as sweets, salty snacks, beverages
(Bates and et.al., 2020). Despite, the difficulties are assessing the particular media and
conducting the research study. On the other hand, family factors are associated with
11

increasing the level of obesity. This can be possible when increased the availability of food
items in house, understanding the preference of food for family members. In some cases, it is
also influenced the children when they were adapting the high quality of nutrition. Therefore,
it will be reduced the level of obesity. The involvement of children’s and single parents
household are connected with children obesity, level of overweight condition.
CONCLUSION
Thus, it has been concluded form the above report that the children of London Borough
of Harrow are facing the urban health issue which is obesity for the age 5 - 15. Rationale has
been prepared to identify and analyse the evidence including epidemiological data. Along
with this, other health determinants have also been analysed which have been impacting the
health issue which is obesity. Further, public health consequences and implications have also
been analysed on the general population. There are certain strategies and interventions which
have been analysed and recommended for the urban health issue faced by children of London
Borough of Harrow. Appropriate interventions have been addressed along with
recommendations at large scale. Based on the analysis, it has been identified that children
obesity is kind of health crisis and present in the London but across global world. Children
obesity issue can be minimised by promoting the awareness program or events. It depends on
the certain interventions that is always helping to control the critical situation of obesity in
proper manner.
12

REFERENCES
Book and Journals
Al-Tufaily, Y., Ibrahim, R. and Hassnawi, F.S., 2021. Assessment of Prevalence and Risk
Factors of Obesity in Pediatric Age Group Between (5-15) years. Journal of
University of Babylon for Pure and Applied Sciences. (2). pp.119-129.
Bates, L.C. and et.al., 2020. COVID-19 impact on behaviors across the 24-hour day in
children and adolescents: physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep. Children.
7(9). p.138.
Dharmarajah, K., Fawcett, M. and et.al., 2020. Tackling childhood obesity in the community
using a participatory action research project with local children and young
people. Health. 4. pp.1-5.
di Palmo, E. and et.al., 2021. Childhood obesity and respiratory diseases: Which
link?. Children. 8(3). p.177.
Hatami Marbini, M. and et.al., 2021. The Prevalence of Weight Disorders in Children and
Adolescents in Lorestan Province: Comparison of Three Different Criteria in A
Cross-sectional Study. Journal of Nutrition and Food Security. 6(4). pp.352-359.
Karaketir, Ş.G. and et.al., 2022 Overweight and obesity in preschool children in Turkey: A
multilevel analysis. Journal of Biosocial Science, pp.1-23.
Khateri, S., Moradi, Y. and et.al., 2019. Prevalence of obesity and overweight in Iranian
children aged less than 5 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Korean
journal of paediatrics. 62(6). p.206.
Kühnis, J. and Jamnicki-Abegg, M., 2020. TEMPORAL TRENDS OF OVERWEIGHT
AND OBESITY AMONG 4–14 YEAR-OLD CHILDREN IN LIECHTENSTEIN.
RESULTS OF A MONITORING PROJECT FROM 2004 TO 2018. Journal of
Physical Education & Health. 9(15). pp.12-17.
Lin, Y.C. and et.al., 2019. Insufficient physical activity and overweight: does caregiver
screen-viewing matter?. Journal of Child and Family Studies. 28(1). pp.286-297.
Nasir, A., High, R. and Nasir, L., 2021. Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on BMI in
Children and Adolescents: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Available at SSRN
3894918.
Nobari, T.Z. and et.al., 2019. Severe housing-cost burden and obesity among preschool-aged
low-income children in Los Angeles County. Preventive medicine reports. 13.
pp.139-145.
13

Robinson, S., 2021. Priorities for Health Promotion and Public Health. Londen: Routledge.
Sarni, R.O.S., Kochi, C. and Suano-Souza, F.I., 2022. Childhood obesity: an ecological
perspective. Jornal de pediatria. 98. pp.38-46.
Zhang, Y. and Zheng, X., 2022. Internal migration and child health: An investigation of
health disparities between migrant children and left-behind children in China. Plos
one. 17(3). p.e0265407.
Online
Obesity among children from 5 to 15 age group, 2022 [online] Available through: <
https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/73241>
Obesity statistics, 2021 [online] Available through: <
https://www.formulatehealth.com/blog/obesity-statistics-uk>
14