More than 6,000 children treated at obesity clinics in England, figures show
Summary
More than 6,000 children with severe obesity in England have been treated at special NHS weight-loss clinics since 2021. These children face serious health problems like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and mental health issues, and clinics offer support including diet plans, mental health care, and weight loss injections.Key Facts
- Since 2021, 6,497 children and teenagers have been treated at NHS Complications from Excess Weight (CEW) clinics in England.
- Children treated ranged in age from 4 to 17 years old, with some as young as four weighing the same as typical 10-year-olds.
- About 400 children have received weight loss injections as part of their treatment.
- Children must have a very high body mass index (BMI above the 99.6th percentile) and illness linked to excess weight to be treated at these clinics.
- Health problems found among these children include high blood pressure (17%), abnormal blood fats (17%), type 2 diabetes (6%), liver disease (30%), and sleep apnea (17%).
- Nearly 30% had autism, 12% had ADHD, 24% had a learning disability, and about 9% had anxiety or had self-harmed.
- Children treated at CEW clinics lost an average of 10 kg more over two years compared to those who only saw general doctors or community health teams.
- Experts urge making healthier food cheaper and limiting junk food sales to help prevent childhood obesity from an early age.
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