Severe obesity in 10 to 11 year olds reaches record high

Levels of severe obesity in children aged 10 to 11 years have reached the highest point since records began, according to new figures by Public Health England (PHE).

Analysis of the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) between 2006 to 2007 and 2016 to 2017 details trends in severe obesity for the first time. The programme captures the height and weight of over one million children in Reception (aged 4 to 5 years) and Year 6 (aged 10 to 11 years) in school each year.

The findings also show stark health inequalities continue to widen. The prevalence of excess weight, obesity, overweight and severe obesity are higher in the most deprived areas compared to the least deprived – this is happening at a faster rate in Year 6 than Reception.

There has been an upward trend of excess weight, obesity and severe obesity in Year 6 children, while there has been a downward trend of excess weight, overweight, obesity and severe obesity in Reception age boys. There has also been a downward trend of underweight in Reception age boys and girls, and Year 6 girls

Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at PHE, said: "The rise in severe obesity and widening health inequalities highlight why bold measures are needed to tackle this threat to our children’s health.

"These trends are extremely worrying and have been decades in the making – reversing them will not happen overnight."

As part of its work to reduce childhood obesity, PHE is working with the food industry to cut 20% of sugar from everyday products by 2020, and 20% of calories by 2024.

It also helps millions of families to make healthier choices through its Change4Life campaigns – the free Food Scanner app reveals the sugar, fat, salt and calories in popular foods and drinks.