National Obesity Awareness Week runs from 10 to 16 January 2025. This important campaign raises awareness about obesity as a significant health concern in the UK and provides guidance on prevention and management strategies. As early years practitioners, we play a vital role in shaping children’s habits and supporting families in promoting healthy, active lifestyles.
In this blog, we’ll explore the latest statistics, the impact of obesity on children’s health, its societal costs, and steps you can take in your setting to encourage healthier choices.
Obesity Statistics
Around one in eight children aged between two and 10 in England are obese, an NHS survey published in September found.
New statistics show around one in seven children (15%) aged between two and 15 were obese in 2022 – similar to pre-Covid levels in 2019 (16%). Obesity rates in 2022 were 12% among those aged between two and 10, and 19% in those aged between 11 and 15.
The latest Health Survey for England shows 64% of adults were overweight or obese in 2022, including three in 10 (29%) who were obese, with more men (67%) classified as overweight or obese than women (61%).
The figures for adults have also remained similar to pre-Covid levels in 2019, when 64% of adults were overweight or obese, including 28% who were obese.
The Health Survey for England 2022, part 2, published by NHS England, found that obesity increased with age among adults, from 14% of those aged between 16 and 24 to 36% of those aged between 55 and 64.
Obesity prevalence was highest among adults and children living in the most deprived areas.
How Obesity Affects Children’s Health
Obesity can have both immediate and long-term health consequences for children, including:
- Physical health risks: Increased likelihood of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, asthma, joint issues, and heart disease
- Mental health challenges: Overweight children are more likely to face bullying, teasing, and social isolation, leading to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression
- Risk of adult obesity: Research shows that overweight children are more likely to remain overweight as adults, increasing their risk of chronic diseases such as stroke and cancer later in life
Early intervention during the formative years is crucial to mitigating these risks and establishing lifelong healthy habits.
Obesity’s Impact On Society
The societal costs of obesity are staggering. According to recent NHS data, the UK spends over £6 billion annually on treating obesity-related illnesses. This figure is projected to rise to £9.7 billion per year by 2050 if current trends persist. Beyond healthcare costs, obesity also impacts productivity and places additional pressure on social services.
For pregnant mothers, obesity poses risks such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and complications during childbirth, further emphasising the importance of healthy habits before and during pregnancy.
Key Causes Of Obesity In Children
The primary contributors to childhood obesity remain poor diet and sedentary lifestyles. Here are some critical insights:
- Dietary habits: Many children exceed the recommended sugar intake. Sugary drinks and snacks contribute significantly to the daily calorie intake of young children
- Physical inactivity: According to the NHS, only 20% of children aged 5–16 years meet the recommended levels of physical activity. The rise of screen time and reduced outdoor play opportunities has compounded this issue
How We Can Help With Obesity
Early years practitioners are uniquely positioned to influence children’s health positively. By creating a nurturing, active, and health-conscious environment, you can help prevent obesity and promote lifelong well-being.
Promoting Healthy Eating Habits
- Provide balanced meals and snacks: Serve a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins during meal and snack times. Use government-recommended menus to help meet the EYFS requirements as a guide
- Educate children about food: Introduce activities like “tasting stations” where children can try different fruits and vegetables. Teach them where food comes from and the benefits of healthy eating
- Involve children in food preparation: Simple tasks like washing vegetables or stirring ingredients can make children more curious and open to trying new foods
- Encourage family involvement: Share healthy recipes and tips with parents through newsletters or workshops. Direct families to resources like Change4Life for meal ideas and guidance
Encouraging Physical Activity
- Incorporate movement into daily routines: Plan activities that encourage children to move, such as obstacle courses, dancing, or nature walks. Aim for at least three hours of physical activity per day, as recommended by the NHS
- Make playtime active: Provide equipment like balls, hoops, and climbing frames to promote gross motor skills and keep children engaged in physical play
- Celebrate movement milestones: Use “Wow” boards to recognise children’s physical achievements, whether it’s learning to hop, skip, or climb
- Role model active behaviour: Encourage staff to participate in physical activities with the children. This not only boosts engagement but also reinforces the importance of staying active
Building A Supportive Community
- Raise awareness of local programmes: Share information about initiatives like Healthy Start vouchers, which provide low-income families with access to free fruit, vegetables, and milk
- Organise community events: Host family activity days, such as sports afternoons or healthy cooking workshops, to promote a culture of health within your setting
- Signpost families to additional resources: Offer guidance on accessing weight management services or active living programmes in the community
Encouraging Staff Wellness
- Develop active travel policies: Encourage staff to walk or cycle to work when possible
- Foster a healthy workplace culture: Organise team activities like yoga or outdoor group walks to promote physical well-being among staff
- Provide ongoing training: Invest in professional development focused on nutrition and physical activity to empower your team with the latest knowledge and strategies
Final Thoughts
As National Obesity Awareness Week 2025 approaches, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on how early years practitioners can contribute to tackling this pressing issue. The early years are a critical time for shaping healthy habits that can last a lifetime. By promoting balanced diets, encouraging physical activity, and working collaboratively with families, practitioners can make a meaningful difference in the fight against childhood obesity.
Together, we can support children in becoming healthier, happier, and more active, setting them on the path to a brighter future.
Let’s work together to create a healthier generation and reduce the impact of obesity on our society.
