- New government data reveals childhood obesity in England is rising, with 10.7 per cent of Reception pupils and 22.8 per cent of Year 6 children classified as obese.
- Excluding the pandemic peak, obesity among Reception-age children has reached its highest level since records began.
- A stark deprivation gap persists, with obesity rates in the most deprived areas more than double those in the most affluent regions.
- The data also highlights a gender divide, showing primary school boys are more likely than girls to be obese or severely obese.
- Food Foundation campaigner Anna Taylor criticised government inaction, warning that delays in implementing anti-obesity policies carry significant community costs.
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