Half of UK GPs Treat Obese Children Under Seven, Survey Reveals

Half of UK GPs Treat Obese Children Under Seven, Survey Reveals

A comprehensive survey of UK family doctors has uncovered that almost half of general practitioners are now seeing children under the age of seven who are clinically obese. The research, conducted by the medical organisation MDDUS, paints a concerning picture of the escalating childhood obesity crisis across the nation.

Challenging Conversations and Emotional Barriers

The survey, which involved 540 family doctors, found that a staggering 80 per cent of GPs reported significant challenges when attempting to discuss weight issues with children under 16 or their parents. These conversations often provoke feelings of shame, upset, and anger, making them among the most difficult consultations GPs face.

Dr John Holden, the chief medical officer at MDDUS, described the findings as "an alarming confirmation of the growing crisis of childhood obesity across the country and the very real difficulties this creates in everyday GP consultations."

Disturbing Statistics Among Young Children

The data revealed particularly troubling figures for very young children:

• Approximately a quarter of children aged four and under seen by GPs have obesity
• This includes a small number of infants under one year old
• One in five children now leave primary school with obesity
• Nearly a third (28 per cent) of UK adults are classified as obese

Dr Holden emphasised that "family doctors understand that childhood obesity is rarely about individual choices alone. It is often linked to poverty, food insecurity and limited opportunities for children to be active." He noted that GPs approach these sensitive discussions with care and empathy for families under pressure.

The Rise of Weight Loss Medication Concerns

As obesity rates climb, the survey highlighted growing concerns about the use of weight loss drugs, particularly GLP-1 medications. Most of the estimated 1.5 million people using these drugs in the UK are accessing them privately due to strict NHS eligibility criteria.

GPs reported worrying trends, including:

1. Patients obtaining medications through private pharmacies without proper medical checks
2. Individuals with a history of eating disorders inappropriately accessing these drugs
3. People with relatively low BMIs using the medications as a "panacea" for weight management

One surveyed GP noted that GLP-1s are being "accessed privately pretty indiscriminately by many people whose BMI is not in the obese category," while another expressed concern that attempts to address the social and environmental causes of obesity are "being shelved in favour of a more sexy quick fix pill."

Government Response and Prevention Measures

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson outlined the government's approach to tackling childhood obesity, stating: "Every child deserves the best possible start in life, which is why this government is taking decisive action to tackle childhood obesity."

The announced measures include:

• Restricting junk food advertising on television before 9pm and online
• Giving local authorities new powers to prevent fast food shops opening near schools
• Implementing a 10 Year Health Plan focusing on prevention rather than treatment

The spokesperson added that these advertising restrictions alone are expected to remove up to 7.2 billion calories annually from children's diets, representing a significant step toward creating a healthier nation.

The survey results underscore the complex challenges facing healthcare professionals as they navigate the sensitive issue of childhood obesity while balancing medical concerns with family dynamics and emotional wellbeing.