Oversized School Uniforms Now Regular Items

Thursday 16th of June 2011 11:53:56 PM

Oversized School Uniforms Now Regular Items

Obesity in children is a growing problem in developed nations. In the United Kingdom, the problem became evident when Marks and Spencer added school uniforms in larger sizes last year. To give you an idea of the problem that exists, the school clothes are sold with waists up to 23 inches.

Though the new line of clothes upset some people, it is actually just recognition of the fact that young children are getting heavier and heavier. Some of the plus size clothes being sold are being purchased for children as young as 4 years old. That means a preschooler is wearing a size that was once worn primarily by an 8 year old child.

Childhood obesity is not just a problem in the UK either. In the United States, First Lady Michelle Obama has initiated a national program to address the problem of childhood obesity. The program is designed to educate parents and children on healthy eating habits and the benefits of exercise. She is seen regularly on television explaining to kids how to eat healthy.

A spokesman for Marks and Spencer said that the line of clothes for children was added because parents requested the larger sized options. This is actually a test line of clothes and they will fit ages 3 to 16. Tam Fry is a member of the National Obesity Forum in the UK. He said, “This is the actual commercial recognition of what we have known for some time that obesity in pre-schoolers is building up. Now, there are 27 percent of entrants to primary schools (who) are overweight or obese.”

The National Health Services Center reported that 1 out of 5 English children are overweight or obese. In the United States, the figure has been reported to be as high as 60%. Children who are overweight need to wear comfortable and cool clothing like polo shirts and t-shirts with properly fitting trousers and skirts. But the bottom line is that parents need to help their children develop healthy lifestyles. This is the only way to prevent a lifetime of poor health.