New analysis of over one million children in England showed that obesity increased 45% in reception pupils between 2019/20 and 2020/21. More a fifth of ten and 11-year-olds who live in England are considered obese.
Obesity increases the risk of health diseases including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer. It also has an effect on quality of life and mental health.
Co-author Emeritus Professor Mark Hanson, from the NIHR Southampton BRC, said: “Once established, obesity has proven to be difficult to reverse. 60-85% of children with obesity remain obese in adulthood, increasing their risks of future ill health.
“Our finding of a rapid return to pre-pandemic levels of overweight and obesity in the youngest children suggests new policies should target under-fives. This is likely to be an effective means of tackling the growing problem of childhood obesity.”