Local authority leaders have called for more powers to restrict the number of takeaways and fast food adverts near schools as new figures reveal a growing number of children are living with obesity.

A new analysis of data from the Office for Health Improvement & Disparities has revealed a growing number of children living with being overweight or obese between reception and year six.

As the analysis concluded: ‘most children who start primary school with a healthy weight retain this healthy weight status until the end of primary school. However, the flow of children from a healthy to an unhealthy weight status (underweight, overweight or living with obesity) was larger than the flow of children from an unhealthy to a healthy weight. This is reflected in the increase in obesity prevalence seen between reception and year 6.’

In response, Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Community Wellbeing Board, called for new powers and funding for councils to tackle childhood obesity.

‘Councils are working to support children and families to live healthy lives and reduce pressure on other public services, from health visitors supporting new parents to weight management services and subsidised leisure facilities, but more needs to be done, especially to reduce the gap between the most and least deprived,’ he said.

‘New powers and funding for councils are needed to build on this, including tackling the clustering of existing takeaways and restricting junk food advertising near schools. We need to expand access to Healthy Start Vouchers to ensure more families on low incomes can access fresh fruit and vegetables as well as expanding access and increasing the eligibility criteria of Free School Meals.

‘Investment in councils’ public health services now will reap benefits for everyone longer-term, including for the NHS as we look to build back better from the pandemic and level up the future health chances of the next generation.’