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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 2020 to 2021:

• 0.6% were underweight
• 67.9% were a healthy weight
• 14.8% were overweight
• 16.9% were obese.

Medway children in year 6 (10 to 11 year olds) in 2020 to 2021:

• 1% were underweight
• 54.8% were a healthy weight
• 15.6% were overweight
• 28.6% were obese.

Year 6 obesity prevalence varies across Medway wards. The highest being Chatham Central with an obesity prevalence of 28%. The lowest being Rainham Central with a prevalence of 14.1%.

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

• The Daily Mile - a primary school based project for all children. Run, skip or walk a mile!
• 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
• All Medway residents under 16 can swim for free at several sports centres.

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 Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) should commission a Tier 3 service for children’s weight management.