Rising childhood obesity: Figures suggest deprivation gap has widened

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By Jane Kirby, Press Association

Obesity among children in England is on the rise, according to new government data.

Some 10.7% of children in the Reception year of primary school (ages four and five) are obese, while 22.8% of those in Year 6 (ages 10 to 11) are too.

The 2025-6 data means that, when the pandemic obesity peak is disregarded, obesity in Reception is at its highest-ever level since records began.

Among children in Year 6, obesity is also higher than the previous year (22.2%) and higher than pre-pandemic levels.

Overall, 1.1 million children were measured in state schools in England as part of the National Child Measurement Programme, which records height and weight to help decide on public health plans and which regions need most help.

The data showed that girls in primary school were more likely than boys to be a healthy weight, and boys are more likely to be obese and severely obese (6.9% are severely obese in Year 6 compared to 4.8% of girls).