A recent study from Southampton University reveals that childhood obesity surged during the UK’s COVID-19 lockdowns, particularly among primary school children. The report indicates a staggering 45% rise in obesity rates for four- and five-year-olds from 2020 to 2021, marking the largest annual increase in decades. If not addressed, this trend could impose an estimated £800 million ($1.54 billion) burden on future healthcare.
The findings show that nearly 56,000 children aged 10 to 11 became significantly overweight during the pandemic, with 17,000 suffering from severe obesity. The World Health Organisation warns that global obesity levels could reach one billion by 2030, exacerbating public health issues. Contributing factors identified include reduced physical activity, disrupted sleep, increased screen time, and poor eating habits due to lockdown restrictions.
The study highlights a stark disparity, with childhood obesity rates in England’s most deprived areas being double those in wealthier regions. Researchers emphasise the urgent need for new policy measures to combat this alarming trend, as the long-term health risks associated with childhood obesity—such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease—continue to escalate. Professor Keith Godfrey from Southampton University advocates for significant changes to address the crisis and improve the overall wellbeing of children in the UK.