Latest data reveals the highest rates of obesity among young children in England since before the pandemic, highlighting deepening socioeconomic disparities and the urgent need for comprehensive prevention strategies.
New data from the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) reveals a worrying surge in obesity among children starting primary school in England, marking the highest rates on record outside the COVID-19 pandemic peak. According to the latest figures for the 2024/25 academic year, more than one in ten children aged four and five in Reception year are classified as obese, with 13% also overweight. This means that nearly one in four children in this age group begin school carrying excess weight.
NHS England has labelled these statistics “extremely concerning,” highlighting the potential “devastating impact” on children’s health. NHS clinical leaders underscore that childhood obesity significantly elevates risks for type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, mental health issues, and other chronic conditions that can lead to shorter and unhappier lives. Professor Simon Kenny, NHS England’s Clinical Director for Children and Young People, stressed that while specialist clinics are providing personalised support to thousands of children affected by severe weight issues, prevention remains essential. He called for coordinated action across industry, government, and society to improve children’s health outcomes.
The data shows 10.5% of Reception children were obese in 2024/25, up from 9.6% in the previous year and the highest level recorded outside the pandemic years since records began in 2006/07. For Year 6 students, aged 10 to 11, obesity prevalence remains significantly higher at 22.2%, with more than a third of children in this older group overweight or obese. Boys are more likely than girls to be affected by obesity at both ages, with 24.5% of Year 6 boys obese compared to 19.6% of girls. Severe obesity affects 2.9% of Reception children and 5.6% of those in Year 6.
The statistics also starkly reveal socioeconomic disparities. Obesity rates in the most deprived communities are more than double those in the wealthiest areas — 14% versus 6.9% among Reception children, and 29.3% versus 13.5% among Year 6 children. This underlines the entrenched link between deprivation and poorer health outcomes from a very young age.
The financial cost of obesity-related ill health on the NHS is substantial, with annual spending estimated around £6.5 billion for all ages. In response, NHS England has set up 30 specialist clinics across the country, providing tailored care packages that include diet plans, mental health support, and coaching for affected children and their families.
Government efforts to curb childhood obesity also include restrictions on junk food advertising on TV and online, limiting access to fast food in schools, and banning the sale of energy drinks to children under 16 years old. Public Health Minister Andrew Gwynne has emphasised the urgency of shifting focus from treatment to prevention to protect children from longer-term health consequences.
While the rise in obesity among Reception children outside of pandemic peaks is troubling, there has been a slight decrease in obesity prevalence among Year 6 children from 22.7% in 2022/23 to 22.1% in 2023/24, though still above pre-pandemic levels. Underweight prevalence in Year 6 has also shown a minor increase, indicating a complex nutritional landscape.
Overall, about 75.4% of children in Reception and 62.2% in Year 6 maintain a healthy weight, but the rising trend in obesity, particularly among younger children and in deprived areas, signals a pressing public health challenge. The collective message from health authorities is clear: comprehensive societal action, alongside NHS support, is crucial to reverse these trends and secure healthier futures for England’s children.
📌 Reference Map:
- [1] (Mirror) – Paragraphs 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
- [2] (NHS England) – Paragraphs 2, 3, 6, 7, 8
- [3] (NHS Digital) – Paragraphs 4, 5, 6
- [4] (Sky News) – Paragraph 4
- [5] (Gov.uk) – Paragraph 4
- [6] (RCPCH) – Paragraph 7
- [7] (Commons Library) – Paragraph 5, 7
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative presents recent data from the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) for the 2024/25 academic year, published on 4 November 2025. This is the earliest known publication date for this specific data, indicating high freshness. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No earlier versions with differing figures, dates, or quotes were found. The article includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-child-measurement-programme-ncmp-annual-report-academic-year-2024-to-2025-england?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quotes from Professor Simon Kenny and Public Health Minister Andrew Gwynne are unique to this report and have not been found in earlier material, indicating originality.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from reputable organisations: the Mirror, NHS England, and the UK government. The Mirror is a well-known UK newspaper, NHS England is the national health service, and the UK government is the official governing body. These sources are reliable and authoritative.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims made in the narrative are consistent with the latest NCMP data, which reports a 10.5% obesity rate among Reception children in 2024/25, the highest level recorded outside the pandemic years since records began in 2006/07. The narrative also highlights the socioeconomic disparities in obesity rates, with children in the most deprived areas being more than twice as likely to be obese compared to those in the least deprived areas. These findings are corroborated by the NCMP report. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-child-measurement-programme-ncmp-annual-report-academic-year-2024-to-2025-england?utm_source=openai))
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative presents recent and original data from reputable sources, with no discrepancies or signs of disinformation. The claims are consistent with the latest NCMP data, and the quotes are unique to this report. The source reliability is high, and the plausibility of the claims is well-supported.
