Thousands of young children, including some as young as four, have been referred to NHS specialist weight loss clinics, new data reveals. Since their launch in 2021, NHS England's Complications from Excess Weight (CEW) clinics have seen over 6,000 children and young people with severe obesity.
Referral Statistics
Among those referred to the nearly 40 specialist clinics across England, 423 were aged four or younger, while a further 1,088 were between five and eight years old. All children referred have a body mass index (BMI) above the 99.6 percentile, indicating severe obesity.
Care Packages Provided
Children attending CEW clinics receive bespoke care packages tailored to their needs. These include personalised diet plans, mental health support, and coaching. Additionally, approximately 400 young patients have been administered weight loss jabs as part of their treatment.
Serious Health Complications
Many of these young patients have been diagnosed with serious health conditions typically associated with obesity. These include liver disease, hypertension, sleep apnoea, and type two diabetes, highlighting the severe impact of childhood obesity on their health.
Effectiveness of Clinics
Research presented at the European Congress on Obesity indicates that the CEW clinics are effective in supporting patients towards better health and weight management. The clinics have been particularly successful in helping children maintain weight loss and in reaching those from socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.
The NHS continues to expand its services to tackle the growing issue of childhood obesity, aiming to provide early intervention and prevent long-term health complications.
