Latest data shows fall in childhood obesity rates in Leeds

The rates of children living with obesity in Leeds have fallen for the second year running, according to the latest data from Leeds City Council.

Figures from the authority’s annual National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) show the proportion of reception-aged children (four to five-years-old) living with obesity in Leeds fell to 9.1 per cent in 2023-24 – the lowest rate seen since 2016-17.

For Leeds children in year six (10 to 11-years-old), rates fell from 23.3 per cent in 2022-23 to 22.2 per cent in 2023-4.

The NCMP is a statutory public health function of each local authority and measures the height and weight of children in reception and year six in state-maintained schools every year. Data is then used to inform service planning, track trends and monitor progress.

In 2023-24, a total of 18,151 school children were weighed and measured in Leeds.

Leeds’s fall in rate for reception-aged children comes as both the England and Yorkshire and Humber rates saw an increase between 2022-23 and 2023-24, from 9.2 per cent to 9.6 per cent and 9.9 per cent and 10.7 per cent, respectively.

Gender differences remain in obesity rates for children in Leeds, in line with national trends, with boys more likely to be living with obesity in both age groups.

For children living in the most deprived areas of Leeds, obesity rates fell slightly for reception-aged children, from 12.3 per cent in 2022-23 to 12.2 per cent in 2023-24, but rose slightly among year six children, from 28 per cent to 28.3 per cent.

Following on from the spike effect of Covid-19 seen locally and nationally in 2020-21, the ongoing cost-of-living crisis has widened inequalities in food insecurity and nutrition, particularly for low-income households. These families face greater challenges in managing food costs and are more likely to rely on cheaper, calorie-dense foods, potentially impacting long-term health outcomes.

Leeds has been taking a wide-ranging and all-age approach in its aim to reduce the number of children living with obesity in the city, recognising the importance of healthy environments and giving everyone the best start in life.

The city has had a Child Healthy Weight Plan in place for over 12 years, prioritising work including healthy pregnancy and post-natal programmes, breastfeeding support and delivery of the HENRY parenting programme, which integrates support for family emotional wellbeing, physical activity and healthy eating and reaches an estimated 400 families across Leeds every year.

Through the Local Government Healthy Weight Declaration (HWD), the council also uses its influence and powers across all departments to address the issue, through projects such increasing active travel, improving access to green spaces and influencing the content of vending machines and hot food takeaways.

Leeds City Council also recently introduced a ban on the promotion of junk food on advertising spaces it controls across the city, in light of growing evidence that commercial advertising messaging can have a strong influence on health.

The authority has also developed a ‘Good Food Commitments’ programme for all council-managed cafes to increase the availability of healthier options on menus.

Close collaboration with partners such as schools, early years, NHS colleagues and the voluntary sector has been key in achieving action across all communities.

The work underlines the council’s commitment as a Marmot City – to give children the best start in life, improve the health of the poorest fastest and reduce gaps in health inequality.

Councillor Fiona Venner, Leeds City Council’s executive member for equalities, health and wellbeing, said: “Leeds has been committed for over 15 years to supporting families and children living with obesity.

“By using our cross-council powers to tackle the issue – such as our recent restriction on junk food adverts and creating healthier menus at our cafes – we can work to turn the curve on current trends and improve health outcomes of children and adults in Leeds.”

Victoria Eaton, Leeds City Council’s director of public health, said: “Children living with obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st Century.

“We know that, as with the rest of the UK, there is a trend for increasing obesity rates, particularly as children get older, and continuing to tackle this underpins all of our city-wide obesity prevention work.

“While it is encouraging to see obesity rates fall among reception and year six children for the second year running, we know there is always more to do and we remain focused on our vision for every child in the city to be a healthy weight and live in an environment which supports a healthier life.”