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Research finds childhood obesity from Covid-19 pandemic will cost over £8bn

29 Jan 2024
Research carried out by the the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and the University of Southampton found that a ‘dramatic’ increase in childhood obesity during the Covid-19 pandemic will cost the UK £8.7bn.

New analysis of over one million children in England showed that obesity increased 45% in reception pupils between 2019/20 and 2020/21. More a fifth of ten and 11-year-olds who live in England are considered obese.

Obesity increases the risk of health diseases including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer. It also has an effect on quality of life and mental health.

Co-author Emeritus Professor Mark Hanson, from the NIHR Southampton BRC, said: “Once established, obesity has proven to be difficult to reverse. 60-85% of children with obesity remain obese in adulthood, increasing their risks of future ill health.

“Our finding of a rapid return to pre-pandemic levels of overweight and obesity in the youngest children suggests new policies should target under-fives. This is likely to be an effective means of tackling the growing problem of childhood obesity.”