More than 6,000 children living with obesity, including hundreds as young as four, have required treatment at specialist NHS weight-loss clinics, new figures reveal. NHS England data, published for the first time, shows that 6,497 children and teenagers have been treated since the first Complications from Excess Weight clinic (CEW) opened in 2021.
Of these, 423 were four years old, 1,088 were aged five to eight, 1,791 were aged nine to 12, and 3,137 were aged 13 to 17. The four-year-olds weighed an average of 33kg (5st 3lbs), the same as a typical 10-year-old. About 400 children have received weight-loss jabs as part of their treatment.
New analysis of nearly 6,000 children treated at CEWs found that 17% had high blood pressure, 17% had abnormal fat levels in their blood, 6% had type 2 diabetes, and nearly 30% had fatty liver disease. Almost 30% were autistic and 12% had ADHD.
Experts called for immediate action to curb junk food sales and make healthier food cheaper. Katharine Jenner of the Obesity Health Alliance said the figures were a 'wake-up call', adding: 'Healthier food should be easier, cheaper and more available for everyone, no matter where they live.'
Dr Helen Stewart of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health said it was 'extremely concerning' that more children were being treated, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Prof Simon Kenny of NHS England said the clinics were helping thousands turn their lives around, but noted that childhood obesity increases the risk of serious health conditions in adulthood.
