We have published our new compendium briefing on childhood obesity in Scotland. The briefing provides an overview of current childhood obesity data in Scotland, outlines current inequalities in child weight outcomes, highlights key evidence on causes and consequences of childhood obesity, and provides details of current policy in Scotland.
Highlights:
These findings reveal the growing inequalities in child health outcomes across Scotland, indicating a clear correlation between increasing deprivation and unhealthy food consumption.
To tackle these disparities, Obesity Action Scotland calls for urgent implementation of evidence-based measures:
These measures aim to create a healthier food environment for all children in Scotland, regardless of their socioeconomic background. By addressing the underlying causes of obesity and inequality, we can work towards halving childhood obesity by 2030 and significantly reducing diet-related health inequalities.
Dr Shoba John, Head of Obesity Action Scotland said:
“All children should be able to grow up in a healthy food environment that helps achieve healthy weight outcomes and ensures food security. Junk food marketing and promotions detract from this pursuit. Policy responses are inadequate and lagging, while obesity among children is at an all-time high since 2011. We need bold and urgent action from policy makers at all levels to deliver the change we need to see.”
Read our new briefing here.