More than one in ten children in England are already living with obesity when they start primary school, with rates more than doubling by the time they reach Year 6, according to new national data.
The figures, from the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP), which weighed and measured more than 1.13 million pupils across state-maintained primary schools in England during the 2025-26 academic year, show that 10.7% of four- and five-year-olds in Reception are classed as obese, with 3% suffering from severe obesity.
By age 10 and 11 in Year 6, the overall obesity rate jumps to 22.8%, while severe obesity nearly doubles to 5.9%. The statistics, published by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, also reveal a stark wealth divide.
Deprivation gap widens by Year 6
In the country's most deprived areas, 14.2% of Reception pupils are living with obesity, more than double the 6.9% recorded in the wealthiest neighbourhoods. By the final year of primary school, that gulf widens dramatically, leaving 30.3% of Year 6 children in the poorest areas obese compared with 13.9% in the least deprived.
Dr Asiya Maula, a private GP at The Health Suite, has called for earlier, practical intervention to help families build healthy habits long before children reach secondary school.
Doctor urges early, sensitive approach
"These figures show why we need to think about children's health long before problems become entrenched," Dr Maula said. "The fact that more than one in 10 children are already living with obesity when they start Reception is a reminder that early childhood matters. We should be looking at how we make it easier for families to build healthy routines from the beginning—including regular movement, nutritious food, good sleep and access to appropriate support."
However, the doctor stressed that tackling the crisis must be handled delicately to avoid stigmatising youngsters. "Crucially, this must be done without making children feel that their bodies are a problem," she warned. "Weight is a sensitive issue, and shame or blame can make it harder for families to seek help."
Rather than attempting dramatic overnight transformations, Dr Maula advises parents to focus on small, consistent daily routines. Making movement a regular, enjoyable part of everyday life – whether through walking, cycling, dancing, or outdoor play – helps keep kids active without making exercise feel like a chore. She also recommends keeping mealtimes relaxed by offering a variety of foods while refusing to label either meals or children as "good" or "bad".
Focus on family routines and support
Prioritising a calming, consistent bedtime routine is equally vital for overall wellbeing, while turning healthy habits into a shared family effort – such as eating together and staying active as a household – can help changes stick. For parents who are worried about their child's weight, Dr Maula urges reaching out to a GP or health visitor early on, noting that a child's growth should always be assessed in proper context rather than judged by appearance alone.
"There is no single cause of childhood obesity, and no single solution," Dr Maula added. "Families are influenced by a range of factors, including the food available to them, time, finances, their environment and access to support. The most useful conversation is not about blame. It is about what practical help children and families need to support their health now and as they grow."
