Is your child too fat? Gravesend's Dr Manpinder Sahota gives obesity warning

As a GP, I look at overweight children and think in 20 to 40 years’ time there is a big chance that child may develop Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and even cancer.

Yes cancer is linked to obesity! Not only are children heavier these days, they are also far more inactive.

Looking at it financially, we are entering an epidemic of obesity diseases such as Type 2 diabetes which will cripple the NHS.

Please, please read this article and take on board the points for the sake of your children.

We all want our children to attain the best in life but, even more important than education, the health of your child is of paramount importance.

Although I may offend you, it is not normal for a child to be overweight. Really to make parents notice, I should use the word fat.

There are two main reasons why children (and adults) are now so obese – eating way too much sugar and processed foods, and lack of activity.

The food industry especially targets children with high calorie foods.

It is really hard to not be influenced by the food industry but you must stop giving children sugary drinks, fruit juices, chocolates, ice cream and crisps on a regular basis.

There are so many birthday parties children get invited to which are full of junk food. Parents bring 'lovely' treats to school. I know it’s hard but you are 'Killing your Kids with Kindness'.

If your child has tooth decay and has to have fillings the only cause is sugar.

'If the teeth are being killed, what do you think sugar is doing to the rest of the body?'

If the teeth are being killed, what do you think sugar is doing to the rest of the body? Stop and ask yourself that question.

The second problem, of inactivity, is due to the use of cars instead of walking, lack of space for children to play outside, excess use of iPads, phones, TV, X Box, Nintendo and the lack of time parents are able to spend with their children and getting them to engage in the real world.

We have the iphone generation who will grow up not being able to communicate with the real world and enjoy nature, but who will have psychological problems due to too much screen time.

Ban phones, iPads at weekends or after a certain time. Children will play the old fashioned way. Involve them in sport. Take them on nature walks. Get them riding their bike. Go back to how we played as children.

My wish would be for all schools to ban junk food including fruit juice and take up the daily mile initiative.

We all need to urgently look at our children and ask ourselves ‘Are we giving them the healthiest start in life?’

Please go to the Kent County Council websites for ideas to help your family to get healthier.

Dr Sahota is diabetic lead for the Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley Clinical Commissioning Group, KCC obesity champion and Member of the Health and Wellbeing board. You can follow him on Twitter @sahota_m or Facebook – search for prevention medical practice.