Responding to the release of ‘Childhood Obesity: A Plan for Action,’ Denise Hatton, CEO of YMCA England, the national council of YMCAs in England and Wales, said: “Instead of taking a strong lead on the issue of childhood obesity, the Government has passed up on an opportunity to address one of the greatest challenges facing a generation of young people.
“Obesity, particularly when it occurs among young people, drastically increases the risk of developing a range of serious and long-term diseases later in life, including heart disease and diabetes.
“If the Government wants to ensure that not just the country but also our young people are fit for the future, it must put ending advertisements and promotions for unhealthy foods targeted at children at the forefront of any policy.
“Without this, local organisations and the health services will be left to pick up the pieces and deal with the consequences of an issue that every day damages the life chances of thousands of young people.”
YMCA is the the largest voluntary sector provider of health and wellbeing services promoting physical activity in England and Wales. Read more about our health and wellbeing services online.