Key Summary
- Childhood obesity rates in England is growing, especially in deprived and Black communities
- Government is cracking down on unhealthy food marketing and boosting access to healthier meals
- New investments will expand sports facilities and school activity programmes to keep children active
The government has expressed concern over the soaring childhood obesity, as the latest data shows that it is the highest, barring the Covid period, since measurements began in 2006 to 2007.
As per the 2024-25 data, which considered 1.1 million children in the state-maintained schools, 10.5 per cent of children aged 4-5 years and 22.2 per cent of children aged 10-11 years suffer from obesity.
In terms of race, children belonging to the black ethnic communities are more prone to obesity, and obesity prevalence in deprived areas is more than double when compared to the least deprived.
The government had recently introduced new guidelines requiring baby food manufacturers to reduce sugar and salt levels and improve labelling, in August.
It cracked down on misleading food marketing and gave companies 18 months to make toddler products healthier, as part of efforts to cut high sugar levels and tackle the UK’s rising childhood obesity rates.
The government’s other steps include limiting junk food and, high-caffeine energy drinks advertisements before 9 PM on television and online.
Other restriction on advertisements is the prohibition of ‘buy one get one free’ and ‘3 for 2’ offers on junk food.
The policy is aims to achieve health benefits worth £2 billion and NHS savings of £180 million over 25 years.
Plans to ban retailers from selling high-caffeine energy drinks for children below 16 years is under discussion as well.
These drinks consumed by 100,000 children at least once a day has the potential to harm them physically, mentally as well as intellectually.
This measure can prevent obesity in 40,000 children ensuring long-term health benefits.
Followed by these is the expansion of free school meals on Universal Credit.
The government also promotes sports and other physical activities that adds to the children’s health.
Health and Social Care secretary, Wes Streeting said, “This government will not look away as kids get unhealthier and critics urge us to leave them behind.”
“Today’s figures show the extent of the problem and the need to act now, which is exactly what we’re doing - in schools, on sports pitches and online - to make healthy choices the easy choices, support families and turn the tide on childhood obesity,” he added.
Early Education Minister, Olivia Bailey said, “We are determined to make every school a place where children can access healthy, nutritious meals and be supported to live an active, healthy life.”
“Whether it’s nutritious breakfasts in our new free breakfast clubs, or healthy free school meals for 500,000 more children, we are determined to give every child the best start in life,” she assured.
In order to achieve this, government will invest at least £400 million in local sports facilities to help children and young people stay active.
It will also launch new School Sports Partnerships and a School Enrichment Framework to show parents what activities their child’s school provides.
