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The Mayor of London Boris Johnson has welcomed the findings of a new report tackling obesity in kids in both London and New York.  The report “A Tale of Two ObesCities’ was compiled by the London Metropolitan University and City University of New York. It was launched today at a City Hall seminar discussing flab fighting initiatives used in both cities.

In both London and New York City, childhood obesity rates are higher than in the United Kingdom and the United States as a whole.  The report found that London and New York experience common challenges  -  both cities have highly mobile populations, child poverty and overcrowding .Recommendations included promoting activities like  walking and cycling and building active design principles into building codes, and housing plans.

Key findings include:
- Nearly 23 per cent of London’s four years olds are obese, rising to 36.3 per cent by the age of eleven.
-In New York 40 per cent of kids of a similar age are obese.
-In both cities obesity rates are higher in boys than in girls.
- Poorest children have highest rates of obesity - both cities are characterised by high levels of income inequality.
The report will help develop some of the plans in the Mayor’s forthcoming Health Inequalities Strategy and officials from the Mayor's Office have worked closely with partners in New York on effective health initiatives.

Mayor Boris Johnson said: “A superb 2012 legacy for London would be the obliteration of childhood obesity.  We are championing effective plans across the capital to fight this and I hope that working with New York will result in leaner, fitter children and families in both our cities.

“I want to take on the fast food companies who mercilessly lure children into excessive calorie consumption. Instead of junk snacks let's encourage kids to grow their own food. Many youngsters are unaware of the magic of seeing a seed flourish into a nourishing item you can eat. If schools can help create mini-farms we could cultivate a nation of enthused Jamie Oliver's.

“I’m also investing millions in the sports and parks that every child in our city should have access to. Cycling, swimming, football and running round parks are great physical exercise and most importantly, immense fun. We must also help the poorest communities who are most vulnerable to bad diets of poor quality food. A key part of my health inequalities plan is to increase access to affordable healthy alternatives. “

Eileen O’Keefe Professor of Public Health, London Metropolitan University said: “‘London and New York face common challenges with highly mobile populations, child poverty, and overcrowding. The report demonstrates that the two cities’ approaches towards tackling these issues are different, and so they could benefit from collaboration and learning from each other’s experiences.”

Guest speakers at the health event included Rosie Boycott, Chair of London Food, who discussed the need for more sustainable food growth and local food growing projects. Pamela Chesters, the Mayoral adviser on Health and Youth Opportunities discussed ways food providers could offer a better range of appetising healthy menus.