Diabetes response to new data from National Child Measurement Programme

Diabetes UK responds to new data from National Child Measurement Programme.  Nikki Joule, Policy Manager at Diabetes UK, said:

“This new data, which shows that two fifths of children aged 10-11 in England are living with overweight and obesity is hugely concerning, and it underlines why urgent action is needed to improve children’s health. Living with obesity significantly increases your risk of type 2 diabetes, a condition which is known to have more severe and acute consequences in children and young people.

“Type 2 diabetes can be devastating in young people, and the Government’s plan to provide tailored weight loss treatment in 15 clinics across the country is an important step in tackling childhood obesity, helping those at high risk to reduce their chances of developing the condition. Children living in the most deprived areas are more than twice as likely to be living with obesity than those in the least deprived areas, and the pandemic has only exacerbated these inequalities. We hope these clinics will target those most in need of support.

“The environment we live in is a major contributing factor to rising levels of childhood obesity and, for too long, too many children have been exposed to unhealthy food. Measures such as restricting promotion of junk food and ensuring easier access to healthier food are vital if we are to reverse this worrying trajectory, and guarantee healthier futures for the next generation.”