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January 25, 2024 — Stringent lockdown measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in a significant increase in the number of obese and overweight primary school children in England, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Southampton. The surge in childhood obesity is anticipated to lead to additional healthcare costs potentially amounting to millions of pounds over the affected children’s lifespan.
The study, based on data from the National Childhood Measurement Programme, focused on children aged 4-5 years in reception classes and those aged 10-11 years finishing their primary education. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children in reception year increased from 9.9% in 2019-2020 to 14.4% in 2020-2021, returning to 10.1% in 2021-2022, aligning with pre-pandemic trends.
However, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children aged 10-11 years remained persistently high, showing a 4% increase compared to expected levels. This translated to an additional 55,838 primary schoolchildren becoming overweight or obese during the pandemic, with 16,752 classified as severely obese.
The increase in childhood obesity was disproportionately higher in children from the most deprived areas, with a twofold rise compared to the least deprived areas. The impact was particularly pronounced among children from Black and South Asian backgrounds.
Study co-author Professor Keith Godfrey explained that in older children, obesity becomes more entrenched as the health-related behaviors leading to the rise are more persistent. The study estimates that the additional healthcare cost for this cohort could reach £800 million, covering the treatment of persistent obesity and related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. The wider societal costs are projected to be £8.7 billion.
The study raises concerns about social justice, equity, and financial implications, highlighting the widening gap in childhood obesity between the most and least deprived areas in England. The authors emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address childhood obesity disparities and mitigate long-term health and economic risks.
Katharine Jenner, director of the Obesity Health Alliance, stressed the importance of political will at the highest levels of government to implement effective measures. She noted that while there has been a small decline in obesity prevalence among younger primary school children, immediate actions are required to prevent further consequences of inaction.
