Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting says that the government ‘won’t look away as kids become unhealthier’, his comments come as new figures reveal the scale of the childhood obesity problem.

Data from more than 1.1 million children measured across state-maintained schools in England during the academic year 2024/25 shows that while the majority of children remain a healthy weight, 10.5% of children in reception and 22.2% of year 6 children are living with obesity.

Excluding the pandemic peak, this is the highest obesity prevalence seen in reception since measurements began in 2006 to 2007.

The data also reveals that children from Black ethnic groups are more likely to be living with obesity, while obesity prevalence is more than double in the most deprived areas compared to the least deprived, and this deprivation gap has widened since the programme began.

Streeting said: ‘This government will not look away as kids get unhealthier and critics urge us to leave them behind. Obesity robs children of the best possible start in life, sets them up for a lifetime of health problems, and costs the NHS billions.

‘Today's figures show the extent of the problem and the need to act now, which is exactly what we're doing – in schools, on sports pitches, and online – to make healthy choices the easy choices, support families, and turn the tide on childhood obesity. This is prevention, not punishment, and will help families and children across the country.'

Professor Simon Kenny, NHS national clinical director for children and young people, said: ‘These figures are extremely concerning – obesity can have a devastating impact on children's health, increasing their risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer, mental health issues, and many other illnesses, which can sadly lead to shorter and unhappier lives.

‘The NHS is transforming the lives of thousands of children and families impacted by severe weight issues through its specialist clinics, supporting them to lose weight, live heathier lives and improve their mental health through a personalised package of support, but prevention is key and continued joined-up action by industry and wider society is essential if we want to improve the health of our younger generations.'

Liz Wells is deputy editor of Hemming Group’s Healthcare Management magazine.