Childhood obesity
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Childhood obesity in Medway
Obese children are more likely to become obese adults.
Obesity is a risk factor for chronic diseases in children such as:
- cardiovascular disease
- type 2 diabetes
- cancer.
It also has impacts on mental health.
Obesity prevalence is more than twice as high in year 6 compared to reception.
More than 2 in 5 children in year 6 are either overweight or obese.
Medway children in reception (4 to 5 year olds) in 2024 to 2025:
- 0.7% were underweight
- 72.7% were a healthy weight
- 13.4% were overweight
- 13.1% were obese.
Medway children in year 6 (10 to 11 year olds) in 2024 to 2025:
- 1.4% were underweight
- 60.6% were a healthy weight
- 13.9% were overweight
- 24.2% were obese.
Year 6 obesity prevalence varies across Medway wards. The highest being All Saints with an obesity prevalence of 31.2%. The lowest being St Mary's Island with a prevalence of 16%.
Children in deprived areas are more than twice as likely to be obese than those living in more affluent areas.
In England, the prevalence of obesity is higher in boys than girls in both age groups.
What's available in Medway
- Cookery sessions: interactive cookey sessions for families to explore food, build skills and confidence, and develop healthier habits.
- Fast food planning guidance: there are restrictions to hot food takeaway shops within a 400m radius of schools.
- Tri for You: it offers professional support helping families make healthy food choices. Learn about portion sizes, what's in your food, cravings and more.
- Healthy Early Years Award: to recognise, support, and reward settings that promote a healthy lifestyle.
- Free professionals training on a range of healthy weight subjects.
Recommendations
The NHS and local council should promote healthy food and drink in their venues.
All health professionals should receive training on how to raise awareness, assess, discuss, and take action on weight management with patients.
The NHS should ensure sufficient funding is in place to fund a tier 3 weight management service that matches the level of demand.