One in eight toddlers and primary school children, between two and ten in England, are obese, according to the latest Health Survey for England survey published this week.
For children between 11 and 15 years old, the rates are higher, with 19 per cent of children considered obese.
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The new data comes from the Health Survey for England 2022, part 2, carried out by NHS Digital, and is part of an annual survey to document the nation’s health.
The findings focus on obesity and overweight and show 64 percent of adults were overweight or obese in 2022, with one in three adults classified as obese. The highest rates of obesity were found in adults and children living in the most deprived areas of England.
The latest Health Survey for England (HSE) is the 32nd national health survey. Around 10,000 participants answered health questionnaires, had their blood pressure, height, and weight measurements taken, and had their blood and saliva samples analysed. The first part of the 2022 survey was published in June 2024 and focused on adult and child health-related behaviours, as well as adults’ drinking. In contrast, the second part of the survey, recently published, concentrates on overweight and obesity in the population.
Being overweight and obese in childhood can lead to health issues (such as dyslipidaemia, asthma and increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes), as well as having socio-emotional consequences for children. Research shows that 55 per cent of children living with obesity remained so into adolescence, whilst 80 per cent of adolescents living with obesity experienced obesity as adults, increasing their likelihood of early-onset type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
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Currently, the NHS in England spends £6.5 billion per year treating obesity-related ill health and has recently introduced the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme to help support patients to improve their health. The 12-week programme offers advice on behavioural, diet, and physical activity. Since 2021, almost 400,000 referrals have been made, with participants who complete the course losing an average of 3.9kg.
Dr Clare Hambling, NHS National Clinical Director for Diabetes and Obesity, said: ‘Obesity is one of the biggest threats to health in the UK – it increases people’s risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, mental ill health and many other illnesses which can lead to shorter lives, or affect quality of life, with greater need for healthcare.
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‘Today’s figures show the importance of supporting people who are overweight or living with obesity to reach a healthier weight. The NHS can play its part in that, alongside local councils, but we need to work with the rest of society to tackle the issues that contribute to obesity to help people remain as healthy as possible.’
