New NHS figures reveal concerning trends in childhood obesity within Somerset. More than a third of 10-and-11-year-olds in the county are either obese or overweight, with 20.5% classified as obese and a further 14.8% as overweight. In addition, almost a quarter (24.2%) of reception-aged children in Somerset were found to be obese or overweight. These figures exceed the national average and highlight the urgency of addressing this public health issue.
Notably, the prevalence of obesity is higher among children in the most deprived areas, with rates more than twice as high compared to those in the least deprived areas. This underscores the need for targeted intervention and support for vulnerable communities.
The impact of childhood obesity extends beyond individual health, with significant economic and healthcare costs. Urgent action is required to shift the focus from treatment to prevention, as children with obesity are significantly more likely to carry the condition into adulthood. Measures such as restricting junk food advertising, limiting access to fast food, and regulating the sale of energy drinks to under 16s are proposed as part of a comprehensive strategy to address this critical issue.
READ MORE: Somerset Chef Shines on BBC Masterchef
READ MORE: New Children’s Gym Opens in Bath
Public Health Minister Andrew Gwynne has emphasized the importance of protecting children’s health through immediate and decisive action, recognizing the long-term implications of failing to address this issue.
The figures also highlight varying rates of obesity in different local authorities, with Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset, and North Somerset topping the list for the highest rates of childhood obesity in Year 6 pupils.