Table of Contents
What are the current findings on childhood obesity?
For children and adolescents aged 2-19 years in 2017-20201: The prevalence of obesity was 19.7% and affected about 14.7 million children and adolescents. Obesity prevalence was 12.7% among 2- to 5-year-olds, 20.7% among 6- to 11-year-olds, and 22.2% among 12- to 19-year-olds.
Where is childhood obesity most common in the UK?
Children living in deprived areas are substantially more likely to be obese. Among reception (age 4-5) children in 2020/21, 9.1% of those in the least deprived areas are obese compared with 19.7% of those in the most deprived areas.
What are 4 common causes of child obesity?
Risk factors
- Diet. Regularly eating high-calorie foods, such as fast foods, baked goods and vending machine snacks, can cause your child to gain weight.
- Lack of exercise.
- Family factors.
- Psychological factors.
- Socioeconomic factors.
- Certain medications.
Why is childhood obesity a problem in the UK?
Children are currently consuming more than the recommended daily limit of sugar and this is a contributing factor to excess weight gain. The National Diet and Nutrition Survey found that sugary drinks account for 17% of 11 to 18 year olds’ daily sugar intake or 6% of 4 year olds daily sugar intake.
What percentage of UK is obese?
Summary of Overweight adults By ethnicity over time Summary in the year to November 2020, 62.8% of adults (people aged 18 and over) in England were overweight or obese. 67.5% of Black adults were overweight or obese – the highest percentage out of all ethnic groups.
Why are UK children obese?
Key points. Obesity is complex and is driven by multiple and interacting behavioural, social and environmental factors. The biggest risk factors include unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, family health and behaviour, access to food outlets and spaces for active play and exercise.
What is overweight for a 10 year old?
Obesity is defined as a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for children and teens of the same age and sex. For example, a 10-year-old boy of average height (56 inches) who weighs 102 pounds would have a BMI of 22.9 kg/m2.
Why is the UK obese?
Reduced levels of physical activity due to increased use of private cars, desk bound employment, a decline in home cooking skills and the ready availability of processed foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fats, are variously cited as contributing factors.
Is childhood obesity increasing in the UK?
Two-fifths of children aged 10-11 in England are now living with overweight and obesity. This is the biggest increase in childhood obesity levels recorded to date with those from the most deprived backgrounds impacted most. Urgent action is needed to improve children’s health and address the socioeconomic factors.
Is UK the most obese country?
According to the study, of all European countries the UK ranks fourth for having the most overweight and obese adults, behind Israel, Malta and Turkey.