Childhood obesity: the numbers behind the headlines and getting the help families really need

If you’ve seen the recent headlines about childhood obesity, they can feel alarming and confusing in equal measure. Many parents I speak to feel worried before they even get past the first paragraph.

A survey of GPs has just found that almost a quarter of us are now seeing clinical obesity in children under four, and nearly half are seeing it in children up to age seven. At the same time, official NHS data from the National Child Measurement Programme shows that in 2024–25, about 10.5% of children in Reception (four to five years old) and 22.2% in Year 6 (ten to eleven) are living with obesity.

To me, these numbers aren’t just statistics. They’re the families I see every day. Parents who feel anxious after a letter from school, nurseries bringing up weight concerns, and children who already feel self‑conscious about their bodies years before they should.

Put simply: a child’s weight is shaped by a mix of biology, environment, sleep, stress, routine and how much support they have. It’s almost never about “willpower”, and it’s definitely never helped by shame.

What the GP survey is actually telling us

The survey of more than 500 UK GPs highlights several important points:

• 23% have seen children aged 0–4 with clinical obesity

• 81% have seen obesity in children under 12

• Around 80% of GPs find it difficult to talk about weight with parents

• 65% find it hard to talk to children and young people themselves, mainly due to fear of causing upset or stigma

This matters because it shows two things at once. Childhood obesity is appearing earlier, and both parents and clinicians are anxious about having the conversation.

Avoiding it, however, means missing the most powerful window for change. Early childhood is when eating patterns, activity levels and sleep routines are being formed, and when gentle support can make the biggest long-term difference.

What parents really need to hear

If you were sitting in my consulting room, this is what I would want you to know.

You are not alone. This is not a personal failure or a parenting flaw.

The environment our children are growing up in makes healthy choices harder than they should be. Ultra-processed foods are cheap and heavily marketed. Screen time is woven into daily life. Many families are short on time, space or energy. That is not your fault.

NHS data also shows that childhood obesity rates are highest in the most deprived areas, where access to green space, affordable fresh food and flexible working hours is often limited. This is a public health issue, not a reflection of effort or love.

If you are worried about your child’s weight, the most helpful place to start is usually overall health, not the number on the scale.

What actually helps in real life

These are the changes I see making a genuine difference for families, supported by NICE guidance and everyday clinical experience.

1. Start with drinks, not food
Sugary drinks are one of the biggest contributors to excess calorie intake in children. One can of fizzy drink contains around nine teaspoons of sugar. Swapping juice, squash and fizzy drinks for water or milk is often the simplest and most effective first step. 

2. Prioritise sleep and routine
Short sleep duration in children is linked to higher appetite, increased snacking and greater obesity risk. Preschool children typically need ten to thirteen hours of sleep a night. A consistent bedtime, a calm wind-down routine and predictable meal and snack times can have a surprisingly powerful effect.

3. Build meals around unprocessed foods
This does not mean banning treats. It means making unprocessed or minimally processed foods the default. Vegetables, fruit, beans, lentils, pulses, whole grains, eggs, yoghurt, fish and lean meats form a strong foundation. Framing this as adding more nourishing foods is usually more sustainable than focusing on cutting things out.

4. Make movement normal, not a chore
Children do not need structured exercise programmes. Walking, scooting, cycling, playground time, active play at school and dancing at home all count. The aim is to make movement part of everyday life rather than something that feels like punishment.

5. Reduce screen use around meals
Eating without distraction helps children recognise hunger and fullness cues. Shared meals, even if they are simple, support healthier eating patterns and better emotional wellbeing. If I had to pick one habit with the biggest overall impact, it would be eating together as a family most of the time.

What to expect if your GP is involved

If your child is identified through the National Child Measurement Programme as being in an amber or red category, you will usually receive a letter and may be offered a conversation with a health visitor, school nurse or practice nurse.

This is not about blame. It is about support.

That conversation should include:

• Checking for any health concerns linked to weight

• Talking about sleep, diet, activity and emotional wellbeing

• Signposting to local family-based support programmes if appropriate

NICE guidance is clear that discussions about weight should be done with permission, sensitivity and a focus on health rather than labels.

When to speak to your GP

It is worth speaking to your GP if you are worried about:

• Rapid or unexplained weight changes

• Breathlessness, snoring or disturbed sleep

• Low mood, anxiety or body image distress

• Bullying or difficult eating behaviours

Your GP can help assess whether anything medical is contributing and guide you towards appropriate local support.

The goal is not perfection. It is progress. Small, realistic changes that protect both your child’s physical health and your relationship with them matter far more than strict rules.

Asking for help is a strength. The right support does not just influence a child’s weight. It can improve confidence, wellbeing and family health for years to come.

General information only. For personalised advice, please speak to your GP or paediatric services.