"Extra large" school uniform shop to shock parents about childhood obesity
A shop window displaying over-sized mannequins in "extra large" school uniforms is being used to shock parents about the rising number of obese children.
A shop window displaying over-sized mannequins in "extra large" school uniforms is being used to shock parents about the rising number of obese children.
Cancer Research UK has created the "XL Back to School" shop display to show that larger uniforms are becoming the new norm.
This comes as figures reveal that 8,000 children in the North West start primary school at a healthy weight and they're obese by the time they leave.
Alison Barbuti, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the North West, said: “The figures and images released today highlight the urgent need to help protect the health of the North West’s youngsters. The Government has failed to do so.
“Obese children are around five times more likely to grow into obese adults, and obese adults are more likely to develop cancer and other diseases.
“As a parent I know there are lots of factors working against families when it comes to helping children make healthy choices – including children being bombarded with junk food advertising.
“That’s why we need people to email their MPs and demand robust action to help give our children the best possible chance of a healthy future.”
Alison Cox, Cancer Research UK’s director of prevention, says: “Around 8,000 youngsters will become overweight or obese during primary school each year in the North West, and the Government had a chance to prevent this.
“The childhood obesity plan is simply not up to the task of tackling children’s obesity. Instead, the next generation faces a future of ill health, shortened lives, and an overstretched NHS.
“It will take more than encouraging exercise and a sugar tax to tackle the obesity epidemic. The Government has already recognised the influence of junk food marketing on children’s health by banning junk food advertising during children’s programmes - it’s time to close the loop hole during family viewing time.
“Young waistlines have been expanding steadily over the last two decades. With so many overweight and obese children in the North West and across England, we are seeing a greater need for larger school uniforms. And it’s a shame the Government has missed an opportunity to save lives.”