11.12.13
Proportion of obese children drops for first time
The first drop in year 6 pupils’ obesity prevalence in six years has been recorded, the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) data shows.
The National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) found that 33.3% of year 6 pupils were obese or overweight in 2012/13, compared to 33.9% the year before. The prevalence of obesity and overweight reception-aged children also fell and remains lower than seven years ago, at 22.2%.
Obesity prevalence was almost double for those living in the most deprived areas compared to the least deprived areas. Urban areas also had significantly higher prevalences. The south, south east and south west had the lowest prevalence, while London had the highest for both age groups.
HSCIC chair Kingsley Manning said: “These figures provide clear insight into the weight of the next generation on both a national and local scale.
“The first drop in obesity prevalence among year 6 stands out, although we will need to see what the numbers say in future years to determine if this is the start of a decline or more of a blip.
“Today’s figures reflect an element of the health of our nation’s children and today’s report isn’t just of interest to people that make health policy, it will be of note to many parents in England.”
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