Nearly half of year six pupils in Walsall are 'too fat'

The borough’s health chief has now called for takeaways near schools to close at home time to stop pupils filling up on fatty foods.

Councillor Ian Robertson said the onus was on parents to stop their children eating junk as a new strategy to tackle the obesity crisis in the borough is launched.

A report says the number of overweight children is increasing in Walsall, in line with the national trend, and that close to half are not at a weight considered healthy.

A total of 41 per cent of 10 and 11 year olds are an unhealthy weight and 27 per cent of reception-age children, according to the latest figures.

‘Worrying trend’

Council bosses are keen to liaise with schools. Efforts will also be made to reach out to parents through health initiatives.

Walsall Council’s health chief Ian Robertson said the figures were a ‘worrying trend’ and that the key was cutting out snacking in between meals.

Councillor Robertson said: “The national picture is that the number of children who are not healthy goes up from when they start school to when they are in Year 6.

“It is a worrying trend. There can be early signs of high blood pressure and heart disease. We are trying to get the right advice to schools.

"Children need to cut out in-between-meal snacks and reduce sugary drinks.

"I quite like the idea of restricting new takeaways to try and reduce access.

"I think they should be closed between 3.30pm and 5pm.

"Children do tend to have an unhealthy snack when they are coming out of school.”

A council report on the issue said: “Long-term, sustainable change will only be achieved in Walsall through the active engagement of families and communities.

“Focus groups will be taking place across Walsall.”