Black Country children 'most obese' in the country — with three key areas ranking high
Figures published by NHS England have shown the level of obesity among year 6-age schoolchildren in every local authority area in England in 2023/24 - with one area of the Black Country topping the lot.
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The findings, from the Government’s National Child Measurement Programme in mainstream state-maintained schools, were based on children aged 10 to 11 and the postcode of their home address.
According to the list, Sandwell ranked the highest in the country for obese year 6-age schoolchildren with 31 per cent — but two other local areas aren't far behind.
Wolverhampton ranked the third highest with 29.3%. Walsall only just coming under figures in the top 10 with 27.6%.
Nationally, the latest NHS data reveals that 22.7% of Year 6 pupils measured for height and weight this year were classified as obese, marking a decrease from 23.4% the previous year. However, this figure remains higher than pre-pandemic levels, when 20.2% of children measured in 2018/19 were considered obese.
Obesity elevates the risk of numerous health conditions both in childhood and adulthood, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain cancers. Children who are obese are also much more likely to remain obese into adulthood, increasing the likelihood of serious health complications.
