EVALUATING CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE LONDON BOROUGH OF WESTMINSTER THE Essay

EVALUATING CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE LONDON BOROUGH OF WESTMINSTER THE MOST AFFECTED AREAS ARE THE SOUTH AND THE NORTHERN PART - Essay Example Although the borough is the third most prosperous, it has specific parts that are most affected by poverty and deprivation. High deprivation levels have been associated with high levels of obesity, and in Westminster, there is severe deprivation in the south and North West. The lower layer super output areas, which are about 14% of its neighbourhoods, are in the top 10% most deprived. Half of the population ho are classified as deprived come from Churchill, estbourne, Harrow Road, Queen’s Park, and Church Street. 24% of the children in Westminster live in severe poverty. This is due to various social and economic inequalities (Findlay, Yeowart & Kail, 2012). Westminster has the highest levels of obesity compared to all other boroughs with a level of 39.4%. This paper is an evaluation of childhood obesity in Westminster. It has described the determinants of childhood obesity in an urban setting which reflects the determinants in Westminster, the consequences of the condition, and strategies and interventions of management. Information obtained for the strategies and intervention in relation to determinants’ section informs the conclusion and recommendation. In 2006, the level of obesity in Westminster was already high. A third of the children were obese or overweight. 39 out of 40 primary schools in Westminster were assessed to find out the level of obesity among five-six year olds, and nine-ten year olds. Results showed that 18% of these children were obese; 32% were either overweight or obese, and 14% were overweight. The level of obesity was highest among children of six years, and that obesity level was still going up. Because of such findings schools initiated programs that were to ensure reduced obesity levels. These were; healthy eating and physical activity programs (GP News, 2006). In 2011, the obesity rates had gone up, with the boys being at a higher risk. Westminster had a