Shocking new NHS data has revealed that British children as young as 11 are being prescribed weight loss injections to combat severe obesity. The figures, published for the first time, lay bare the extent of the UK's child obesity crisis, showing that over 6,500 children under 18 have required treatment at specialist clinics since 2021.
Young Children Affected
Among those treated were 423 four-year-olds who weighed an average of 33kg (5 stone 3 lbs), which is more typical of a 10-year-old. Some 406 children were given weight loss jabs, with the youngest recipient being just 11 years old. These powerful appetite-suppressing injections are part of a broader strategy to tackle severe obesity.
Health Consequences
The data, presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul, highlights the severe health impacts on these children. A sample of those treated at the 39 specialist NHS Complications from Excess Weight (CEW) clinics showed that 17% had high blood pressure, 6% had developed type 2 diabetes, and 17.5% had abnormal blood fat levels, indicating early signs of heart disease.
Kat Jenner, executive director of the Obesity Health Alliance, described the figures as a wake-up call. “All parents want their children to grow up healthy, yet seeing children as young as four needing specialist NHS treatment for their weight highlights just how early the drivers of poor health are taking hold,” she said.
Clinic Treatments
Since the first CEW clinic opened, 6,497 dangerously obese children have been treated. To qualify, children must have a body mass index above the 99.6th percentile. Of those treated, 29.3% had metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, and 17% had obstructive sleep apnoea. Patients receive diet plans, mental health support, and lifestyle coaching.
Professor Simon Kenny, national clinical director for children and young people at NHS England, said: “Severe obesity can impact all aspects of a child’s life – affecting their physical health, mental wellbeing and confidence – so it is fantastic that NHS CEW clinics are helping thousands of children and young people turn their lives around.”
Research Findings
Separate research presented at the same conference showed that children treated at CEW clinics were on average 10kg lighter two years later compared to similar children only seen by their GP or community health teams. The clinics are staffed by specialist doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and dietitians.
Dr Cath Homer, associate professor in obesity at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “Severe childhood obesity remains a major public health challenge in England, affecting 15% of children aged between 2 and 15.”
Previous research by Stradoo found that a child living with severe obesity at age four who does not lose weight has a life expectancy of just 39 years. Around one in four children in England start primary school overweight or obese, rising to more than one in three by the time they leave at age 10 or 11.
Dr Helen Stewart, officer for health improvement at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said: “It’s extremely concerning that we are seeing more and more children being treated at CEW clinics. Unfortunately, high levels of obesity continue to cause significant health problems in our young people.”
Kat Jenner added: “The fact that some children are already developing high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and early signs of heart disease at such a young age underlines why prevention has to begin in the earliest years of life. Healthier food should be easier, cheaper and more available for everyone, no matter where they live.”
