Childhood Obesity Reaches Record Levels in England
New official data has exposed the alarming scale of England's childhood obesity crisis, with record numbers of young children starting school classified as obese. The Midlands shows particularly stark disparities, with Wolverhampton emerging as one of the worst-affected areas.
Stark Regional Divide in Midlands
The National Child Measurement Programme data for 2024/25 reveals that Wolverhampton had the highest obesity rate in the Midlands for Reception-aged children (those just four and five years old) at 14.4%. This means more than one in seven children beginning their education in the city were already obese.
Close behind were Walsall with 13.8% and Sandwell at 13.3%. Birmingham recorded an 11.6% obesity rate among its youngest pupils. In striking contrast, the more affluent area of Solihull reported a significantly lower figure of just 8.5%.
National Picture Shows Worsening Trend
Across England, the situation has reached concerning new heights. One in ten children in Reception year was obese in 2024/25, representing the highest figure recorded outside of the pandemic period. Excluding the peak during COVID's first year, this is the highest obesity prevalence seen in Reception children since records began in 2006/07.
The statistics show a worrying increase from the previous year's rate of 9.6%. When combined with overweight children, the figures become even more sobering - almost one in four Reception-aged children (approximately 24%) are now either overweight or obese.
For older children in Year 6 (aged ten and eleven), the situation remains critical with 22.2% classified as obese and 13.9% overweight. This means more than one in three children in their final primary school year are carrying excess weight.
Deprivation Gap Continues to Widen
The data highlights a persistent and growing inequality in child health outcomes. Obesity prevalence remains more than double in the most deprived areas compared to the least deprived for both Reception and Year 6 children. This "deprivation gap" has been steadily increasing since the early years of data collection.
Professor Simon Kenny, NHS national clinical director for children and young people, expressed grave concern: "These figures are extremely concerning – obesity can have a devastating impact on children's health, increasing their risk of Type 2 diabetes, cancer, mental health issues, and many other illnesses."
Katharine Jenner of the Obesity Health Alliance described the findings as a "stark reminder that poor child health remains a serious issue across England," particularly affecting children from deprived backgrounds.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting responded to the crisis, stating: "This government will not look away as kids get unhealthier. Obesity robs children of the best possible start in life, sets them up for a lifetime of health problems, and costs the NHS billions."
The government has committed to addressing the issue through school initiatives, sports programmes, and online measures aimed at making healthy choices easier for families across the country.
