Overview
- Obesity in Year 6 stands at 22.2%, broadly unchanged from last year, with an additional 13.9% classified as overweight.
- Severe obesity rose slightly to 2.9% in Reception and 5.6% in Year 6, with boys more affected than girls.
- Obesity remains more than twice as prevalent in the most deprived areas than in the least deprived, a gap that has grown over time.
- Rates vary by ethnicity, with higher obesity among children from Black ethnic groups, while children from Indian ethnic groups are more likely to be underweight.
- Regional differences are stark, with London showing the largest increase between Reception and Year 6 (9.8% to 23.2%), as NHS and government leaders call the figures extremely concerning and pledge action.