As the new school year begins, state maintained primary and middle schools will roll out the National Child Measurement Programme, which aims to raise awareness of a child’s health and well being. According to statistics collected from the NCMP, almost a quarter of children aged four and five years old are overweight or obese. By the age of 11 years old, childhood obesity affects a third of all children.

Children who are overweight or obese are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular problems, type 2 diabetes, asthma and joint and mobility problems. Children who are overweight or obese are also more likely to be affected by teasing, or even bullying from other children. If a child is overweight they are also more likely to try to avoid physical activities and sports, which means that they are missing out on vital interaction and play.

Schools are encouraged to participate in the promotion of healthy eating and increased physical activity, and the NCMP is just one aspect. Schools can provide information for pupils by contacting their local leaflet printing company to print fun posters and leaflets for kids to read and take home. As part of the NCMP, children will be weighed and measured in school, with parents being sent the results by mail. The National Health Service also enclose the latest Change4Life leaflet which provides additional information for children and their families.

As it is difficult to monitor a child’s weight just by looking at them, the NCMP remains the most effective method for monitoring the weight of children, in an attempt at reducing the levels of childhood obesity.