Recent statistics have shown that obesity is increasing globally. However, data from the North East suggests a high prevalence of obesity within the adult (Health Survey for England data, 2006), child (National Child Measurement Programme data, 2006/07) and maternal population (preliminary data from a North East trust*).

The potential increased risk of disease in children with obesity and elevated complications during pregnancy and delivery in women suffering from obesity (maternal obesity), posses a serious population health burden, with significant implications for service.

*Heslehurst, N., Ells, L. J., Simpson, H., Batterham, A., Wilkinson, J.R., Summerbell, C. D. (2007) 'Trends in maternal obesity incidence rates, demographic predictors, and health inequalities in 36,821 women over a 15-year period.' , International journal of obstetrics and gynaecology., 114 (2), pp. 187-194

Childhood Obesity

Web page describing Childhood Obesity

National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP)

Web page describing National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP)

BMI and Children

Web page describing BMI and Children

Maternal Obesity

Web page describing