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John Nuttal is a third-generation donkey ride operator at Cleethorpes and Skegness in Lincolnshire, UK. He says that he has seen the weight of kids go up over the years. In the interests of donkey welfare, he now has a weight restriction for kids wishing to enjoy a ride on one of his donkeys. There has been a bit of a backlash as it is described as ‘fat shaming’.
The director of Obesity Health Alliance, a coalition of more than 50 organisations tackling obesity, Katharine Jenner, has said that it is completely unacceptable to weigh a child in public and then to say to them that they don’t have the right to take a donkey ride. She blames the environment surrounding children. John Nuttall says that he has noticed that the children are getting bigger and that it is unfair on the donkeys to carry them.
It seems that some children are disappointed but by and large both parents and children seem to accept this rule which has been adopted for the first time in a hundred years. There is a weight restriction of 38 kg or six stone. As well as weight restrictions, riders must be under 4’7″ (1.4 m) and be aged 10 or under.
John Nuttall says that he is not embarrassing children because he is asking parents to weigh them. And the scales are placed on the sand at the entrance to the rides at both Skegness and Cleethorpes.
The Times reports that a fifth or 20% of children aged five in the UK are overweight or obese according to a report released in February by the Academy for Medical Sciences.
UK childhood obesity
The UK faces a significant challenge with childhood obesity. Here’s a breakdown of the situation:
- Prevalence: Nearly a third of children aged 2 to 15 are overweight or obese [UK government statistics].
- Age Groups: Around 1 in 10 reception-aged children (4-5) and 1 in 4 year 6 pupils (10-11) are obese [House of Commons Library].
- Trends: There was a worrying rise in obesity rates between 2019 and 2021, although there’s been a slight decrease in 2023 [NHS Digital, RCPCH]. However, levels are still higher than pre-pandemic times.
- Deprivation: Obesity is much more prevalent in children from deprived areas. In reception year, it can be twice as high compared to affluent areas [House of Commons Library].
There are concerns about the long-term health consequences of this, including increased risk of:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- Some cancers
- Mental health issues
Here are some additional points to consider:
- Early Years: Habits formed in early childhood are crucial. One in five children are already overweight or obese before starting school [UK government statistics].
- Socioeconomic Factors: Limited access to healthy food and opportunities for physical activity in deprived areas contribute to the problem [RCPCH].
The UK government has implemented plans to address childhood obesity, focusing on:
- Healthy Eating: Encouraging schools and nurseries to provide nutritious meals and promoting healthy choices at home.
- Physical Activity: Increasing opportunities for children to be active throughout the day.
- Regulation: Measures like sugar taxes on sugary drinks are being considered.
Combating childhood obesity requires a multi-pronged approach. It’s a complex issue with no easy solutions, but efforts are underway to create a healthier environment for British kids.
Earliest donkey rides
The earliest record of donkeys working on beaches in the UK dates back to around 1780. This tradition likely began during the Victorian era, with donkey rides becoming especially popular in the late 1880s.
Here are some specific historical references:
- Weston-super-Mare: Donkey rides have been offered here since 1886.
- Bridlington: Records show donkey rides started in this town around 1895.
