A recent report has revealed alarming obesity levels among schoolchildren in Teesside, specifically within the Reception and Year 6 age groups. The findings, part of the Government’s National Child Measurement Programme for the academic year 2024/25, indicate that both Middlesbrough and Hartlepool rank among the highest in England for obesity rates in Reception children.
In the Reception age group, which includes children aged four to five, approximately 14.3% of children in both Middlesbrough and Hartlepool are estimated to be obese. This places them fifth and sixth in the national ranking, following areas such as Halton, Stoke-on-Trent, North East Lincolnshire, and Wolverhampton.
The situation is similarly concerning for Year 6 students, who are typically aged ten to eleven. Here, Middlesbrough has an obesity rate of 25.9%, positioning it in the mid-30s of the national table. In contrast, the highest area for Year 6 obesity is Sandwell, with an increased rate of 30.7%.
The data is compiled by the postcode of the child rather than the child’s school. This method provides a clearer picture of the prevalence of obesity across different local authority areas. The statistics are organized by the proportion of schoolchildren estimated to be obese, beginning with the highest figures and including details such as the local authority area and the corresponding region of England.
As authorities and health officials grapple with the implications of these statistics, the focus is on understanding the factors contributing to rising obesity rates among children. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions and initiatives aimed at reversing these trends and promoting healthier lifestyles among young people in Teesside and beyond.
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