Current estimates suggest that nearly a third of children aged 2 to 15 are overweight or obese in the UK and younger generations are becoming obese at earlier ages and staying obese for longer. Obesity rates are highest for children from the most deprived areas and this situation is getting worse. Children aged 5 and from the poorest income groups are twice as likely to be obese compared to their most well-off counterparts and by age 11 they are three times as likely. The case for stronger action on this unacceptable and widening health inequality is compelling.

The Government is expected to publish shortly a refreshed version of the childhood obesity plan first published in summer 2016. This report outlines the following key areas which demand attention as a matter of urgency by the Government before the next chapter of the plan is finalised:

  • A ‘whole systems’ approach
  • Marketing and advertising
  • Price promotions
  • Early years and schools
  • Takeaways
  • Fiscal measures
  • Labelling
  • Services for children living with obesity
Last Update
4 years ago  
Contact
Geographic Coverage
  • United Kingdom