A leading expert in childhood obesity is calling for greater understanding of the psychological effects being overweight can have on children and young people ahead of National Child Obesity Week, which starts on Monday.

Professor Paul Gately, of the National Obesity Forum and director of Britain’s first residential weight-loss camp which was held in Bradford, believes that it is not just the health consequences associated with being overweight that can cause problems for children and young people, but how others interact with them.

“Seventy per cent of overweight and obese children are bullied about their weight and it’s proven that these individuals have much lower levels of self-esteem than their healthy peers,” said Prof Gately.

“Therefore, combating a weight problem isn’t just about healthy eating and physical activity, but a whole range of contributory factors.

“Worryingly, 85 per cent of obese teenagers will become obese adults. Studies show that compared to healthy weight adults, obese adults are four times as likely to suffer clinical anxiety and seven times more likely to suffer clinical depression. Given such risks, it is clear parents and society as a whole should be considering greater action to address the serious outcomes of obesity.”

Prof Gately has been running residential weight loss camps for overweight and obese eight to 17-year-olds for the last 11 years at Woodhouse Grove School in Apperley Bridge.

Carnegie International Camp is specifically designed to guarantee safe weight-loss and boost self-esteem. Running from July 11 until September 14, extra places have been made available to help more children and young people.

Campers are taught how to sensibly lose weight in line with life skills to empower them with the confidence to cope with any negative encounters, such as bullying, they may experience as a result of their weight.

Obesity expert Andrew Hill, professor of Medical Psychology at Leeds University, who has advised Bradford councillors on how to tackle obesity in the district, added: “Feeling unattractive and incompetent are two of the great barriers to doing things in life, so it’s important for overweight and obese youngsters to address this, in order to grow into healthier, happier adults.”

For those living a commutable distance from Woodhouse Grove School, there is the opportunity to attend a day camp programme at a significantly reduced rate to the residential camp.

To apply for a place at this year’s camp, visit carnegie weightmanagement.com, or get in touch with the Carnegie Weight Management team on (0113) 812 5233.