SCHOOLS have been encouraged to increase Physical Education (PE) in their curriculum to improve the health and fitness of young people.

It comes after concerns were raised by children and young people about the 'lack of education' they receive on nutrition and fitness.

Their concerns have been raised in a report by patient watchdog Healthwatch Blackburn with Darwen.

Other fears included not knowing who to turn to for help regarding their body image.

The report reads: "A common theme that children and young people shared with Healthwatch was the lack of education on nutrition and fitness and on who to turn to for help regarding their body image worries.

"They felt it was natural to want to improve their health and fitness or even change the way they look if it boosted their self-esteem however there is little education on how to lose or put on weight safely."

Among the other findings from the report are 59 per cent of children and young people were happy with their bodyweight and 41 per cent of participants felt they were underweight, overweight or unsure how they felt about their bodyweight and shape.

While a majority of children and young people said they are more likely to speak to family members, schools and youth organisations if they felt uncomfortable in their body or thought they had an eating disorder than to a GP or school.

Participants also felt bullying, social media, fashion and celebrities have a huge impact on negative body image.

The report, 'Body Image & Eating Disorders', garnered the views of 250 children and young people in Blackburn with Darwen.

Recommendations made in the report include increasing PE within the school curriculum and incorporating health and fitness within the sessions.

Sir Bill Taylor, chairman of Healthwatch Blackburn with Darwen board, said: "It’s good to see there is a high number of children and Young People that are happy and comfortable with their body, however more work needs to be done to ensure key people in a young person’s life are supported to spot the early signs of eating disorders.”

Jeanette Pearson, Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) transformation manager at East Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen Clinical Commissioning Groups said: "It was good to see the majority of young people feel happy in their bodies but I think we need to do more in schools to support the young people.

"Teachers will be trained in youth mental health first aid but this is not a general training package and not focused on eating disorders."