National Child Measurement Programme, England, 2022/23 School Year

In reception, the prevalence of obesity in 2022/23 was highest in the North East (11.3%). It was lowest in the South East (8.0%), East of England (8.1%) and South West (8.2%). 

In year 6, the prevalence of obesity in 2022/23 was highest in the North East (25.8%), the West Midlands (25.2%) and London (24.8%). It was lowest in the South West (19.4%) and the South East (19.4%).

Underweight prevalence was highest in London for both reception at 1.8% and year 6 at 2.0%.

Obesity prevalence varied by local authority.

For reception this ranged from 4.9% in Wokingham to 14.1% in Knowsley.

In year 6 the range was from 12.0% in Richmond upon Thames, to 31.7% in Barking and Dagenham.

Note the maps cannot be compared with each other due to the different ranges used.

For more information: Table 3b UTLA, National Child Measurement Programme: England, 2022/23 school year.

Obesity prevalence was highest in urban areas for both age groups: 9.4% in reception and 23.6% in year 6.

Underweight prevalence was also highest in urban areas: 1.3% in reception and 1.6% in year 6.

For more information: Table 5a, National Child Measurement Programme: England, 2022/23 school year.

In both reception and year 6, obesity prevalence was highest in disadvantaged urban communities (12.1% and 29.0% respectively) and lowest in urban fringe areas (6.6% and 15.7%).