Levels of severe obesity in children aged 10 to 11 years have reached the highest point since records began, according to new figures published 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 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.
Other observations include:
- an upward trend of excess weight, obesity and severe obesity in Year 6 children
- a downward trend of excess weight, overweight, obesity and severe obesity in Reception age boys
- a downward trend of underweight in Reception age boys and girls, and Year 6 girls.