Summary
A recent study found that many children visiting weight clinics in England come from poor areas and have health issues, such as autism or liver disease. These clinics, set up since 2021, offer support for mental health and dietary needs and are using new technology like smart scales.
Key Facts
- A study in England found many children at weight clinics are from poor areas.
- More than 4,800 children have been referred to these clinics since 2021.
- Clinics help children with severe obesity, offering mental health and health advice.
- Over 40% of the children in the clinics live in the most deprived neighborhoods.
- 24% of the children have autism, and 23% have a learning disability.
- Some clinics use smart scales connected to apps for tracking weight trends.
- In another study, weight loss jabs showed a 5-16% weight loss in children over 12 years.
- BMI, or Body Mass Index, helps determine healthy weight based on height.
