“These figures show why we need to think about children’s health"
A GP warns that children’s health needs to be supported well before they start school, as figures reveal more than one in 10 more children in England are already living with obesity by the time they start primary school.
Dr Asiya Maula, a private GP at The Health Suite, said families need earlier, practical support to help children build healthy habits – without blame or stigma.
The latest National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) figures show that 10.7% of children aged four to five in Reception are living with obesity.
By the time they reach Year 6 (aged 10 and 11), the proportion more than doubles to 22.8%.
Published by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, the figures are based on measurements from more than 1.13 million children attending state-maintained primary schools across England during the 2025-26 academic year.
The data also highlight significant inequalities, with children living in the most deprived areas considerably more likely to be affected.
In Reception, 14.2% of children in the most deprived areas are living with obesity, compared with 6.9% in the least deprived areas.
The difference becomes even more pronounced by Year 6, when almost one in three children (30.3%) in the most deprived areas are living with obesity, compared with 13.9% in the least deprived.
Meanwhile, severe obesity affects 3% of Reception children and 5.9% of Year 6 pupils.
Dr Maula said: “These figures show why we need to think about children’s health long before problems become entrenched.
“The fact that more than one in 10 children are already living with obesity when they start Reception is a reminder that early childhood matters.
“We should be looking at how we make it easier for families to build healthy routines from the beginning, including regular movement, nutritious food, good sleep and access to appropriate support.
“Crucially, this must be done without making children feel that their bodies are a problem.
“Weight is a sensitive issue, and shame or blame can make it harder for families to seek help.”
Rather than making dramatic changes, Dr Maula recommends that parents focus on small, consistent adjustments that can support their children’s health as they grow.
These include making movement part of everyday life through activities such as walking, dancing, cycling and outdoor play, while ensuring exercise is enjoyable rather than something children associate with changing their bodies.
She also advises keeping mealtimes relaxed by offering a variety of foods and regular opportunities to eat, without labelling foods or children as “good” or “bad”.
Prioritising sleep through consistent bedtimes and calming evening routines is another important consideration, alongside making healthy habits a shared family effort.
Eating together where possible, staying active as a family and maintaining consistent routines can all help children develop positive habits.
Dr Maula added:
“There is no single cause of childhood obesity, and no single solution.”
“Families are influenced by a range of factors, including the food available to them, time, finances, their environment and access to support.
“The most useful conversation is not about blame. It is about what practical help children and families need to support their health now and as they grow.”
Parents who are concerned about their child’s growth or weight are also encouraged to seek advice from their GP.
