Childhood Obesity and Underweight Rates Highlight Health Inequalities in England

New NHS data reveals rising obesity among young children and a growing number of underweight pupils, with significant disparities based on socioeconomic status.

NHS figures show 9.6% of children in their first year of school in England are obese, a slight increase from the previous year.
Obesity rates among children aged 10-11 have decreased for the third consecutive year but remain higher than pre-pandemic levels.
The prevalence of underweight children in their final year of primary school has risen to 1.7%, marking the highest level since 2006.
Children in the most deprived areas are more than twice as likely to be obese compared to those in the least deprived areas.
The Local Government Association calls for targeted use of soft drinks sugar tax revenue to address child health inequalities.