Government unveils strategy to tackle childhood obesity

The government has announced a package of measures to address rising rates of childhood obesity in England, following the release of new national data showing more than one in five children aged 10 to 11 are living with obesity.

According to figures collected from over 1.1 million children during the 2024/25 academic year, 10.5% of reception-aged children and 22.2% of those in Year 6 are classified as obese.

The new data shows that children from Black ethnic groups and those living in more deprived areas are disproportionately affected.

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Obesity prevalence in Year 6 is more than twice as high in the most deprived areas compared to the least (29.3% versus 13.5%), and similar patterns are seen among younger children.

The government’s plans include:

• A ban on junk food advertising on TV before 9pm and online, expected to cut up to 7.2 billion calories a year from children’s diets
• Restrictions on multi-buy promotions of less healthy foods, projected to deliver £2bn in health benefits and £180m in NHS savings over 25 years
• A consultation on banning the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s
• An expansion of free school meals to all children in households receiving Universal Credit, expected to reach more than 500,000 pupils
• A national rollout of free breakfast clubs for all primary schools in England
• Updated school food standards and clearer information for parents via new ‘school profiles’
• Over £400m of investment in grassroots sports facilities and new School Sports Partnerships

Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting insisted the government ‘will not look away as kids get unhealthier’, setting out a preventative approach focused on making healthier choices easier and reducing inequalities in children’s health.

‘Obesity robs children of the best possible start in life, sets them up for a lifetime of health problems, and costs the NHS billions,’ he said.

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‘We’re acting now – in schools, on sports pitches and online – to support families and turn the tide on childhood obesity.’

Professor Simon Kenny, NHS national clinical director for children and young people, said the figures were ‘extremely concerning’, pointing to the long-term health risks associated with obesity, including type 2 diabetes and mental health problems.

‘The NHS is transforming the lives of thousands of children and families impacted by severe weight issues through its specialist clinics... but prevention is key and continued joined-up action by industry and wider society is essential,’ he said.

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The announcement builds on recent public health actions, including updated baby food guidelines and improved labelling, aimed at reducing sugar and salt in early years products.

Early education minister Olivia Bailey said: ‘We are determined to make every school a place where children can access healthy, nutritious meals and be supported to live an active, healthy life.’