The percentage of schoolchildren in Reception Year classed as obese. N.B. Obesity in children is defined in this instance as those having a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than the 95th percentile (using the British 1990 growth reference).
The UK is experiencing an epidemic of obesity affecting both adults and children. Among boys and girls aged 2 to 15, the proportion who were classified as obese increased from 10.9% in 1995 to 17.3% in 2006 among boys, and from 12% to 14.7% among girls. There is concern about the rise of childhood obesity and the implications of such obesity persisting into childhood. The health consequences of childhood obesity include: increased blood lipids, glucose intolerance, type II diabetes, hypertension, increases in liver enzymes associated with fatty liver and psychological problems including social isolation, low self esteem, teasing and bullying. The National Childhood Measurement Programme (NCMP) was established in 2005 and is one element of the Government’s work programme on childhood obesity. It is operated by the Department of Health and the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF). Every year, as part of the NCMP, children in Reception class (typically aged 4-5 years) and Year 6 (typically aged 10-11 years) are weighed and measured during the school year. The findings are used to inform local planning and delivery of services for children, and gather population-level surveillance data to allow analysis of trends among children at risk of being overweight or obese. The programme also seeks to raise awareness of the importance of healthy weight in children. In September 2007, the government announced the ambition to reverse the rising tide of obesity and overweight in the population by ensuring that all individuals are able to maintain a healthy weight. The Government’s initial focus is on children, and by 2020 they aim to have reduced the proportion of overweight and obese children to 2000 levels. The Government strategy on excess weight is set out in “Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives: A cross-government strategy for England”.
Legacy unique identifier: P01073