The rise in obesity levels throughout the country has been described as a 'health time bomb'.

The increase of child obesity is of particular concern, to such an extent that the life expectancy of this generation is suspected to fall for the first time in over 200 years.

In Tower Hamlets:

Over one third of 11 and 12 year olds are overweight, this is 11% higher than the national average

15% of children aged 4-5 are overweight, this is the third highest in England

23% of children aged 10-11 are obese, higher than the national average

Obesity can affect your day-to-day living with a decrease in energy levels, breathlessness and back and joint aches.

In the long term obesity will greatly increase the risk of heart disease and strokes, gall bladder disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, breast cancer in women and a reduced life expectancy.

In 2008, Tower Hamlets were awarded £4.7m from the government, in an aim to tackle the problem of the 'obesity epidemic' in the borough.