University College London wins £5m funding for new government obesity scheme

The Department of Health has awarded £5m in funding to University College London (UCL) for a new obesity research unit in the UK.

A year on from the launch of the childhood obesity plan, the National Institute for Health Research’s (NIHR) new unit has been put in place to provide long-term research into obesity in kids.

The scheme will help to evaluate action that has been taken so far, to make sure future plans work for those who need it most.

Professor Russell Viner, policy research unit director and professor of adolescent health at UCL’s Great Ormond Street Institute, said: “Obesity is one of the greatest health concerns of our time and we welcome this considerable, timely investment from the government.

“We are delighted that UCL’s child health institute will host the obesity policy research unit (OPRU). Preventing obesity in early life is key to turning the tide on this modern epidemic.”

It is also said to give independent advice to policy makers and analysts, to develop the understanding on the causes childhood obesity, researching social inequalities to delivering marketing to families.

Furthermore, the government has also tasked Public Health England (PHE) to examine why children are eating excessive amounts of calories.

Obesity levels among children and young people present long-term challenges for the NHS and significant health risks, so reducing such calorie consumption is critical to reverse this worrying trend.

Philip Dunne, minister of State for Health, commented on the issue: “Too many of our children are growing up obese, which can lead to serious health complications.

“With a third of children leaving primary school obese, we must take a comprehensive approach and now focus on excess calories.

“That’s why we have funded a new £5m research unit. We all have a responsibility to help people live healthier lives.”

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