Obesity rise amongst boys

Obesity amongst boys aged two to 10 is on the increase according to new official figures out this week.

The Department of Health commissioned research shows that obesity amongst boys went up from 15.2 per cent in 2002 to 16.2 per cent in 2004.

For girls the figure has decreased from 15.8 per cent to 11.9 per cent over the same period.

The figures show that in 1997 the obesity rate for girls and boys was almost identical with around 11 per cent being classed as obese.

Opportunity for all Indicator 14 – Obesity for children aged 2 to 10