In a remarkable triumph for public health, Leeds has witnessed a consecutive two-year decline in childhood obesity rates, reaching their lowest since 2016-17 for reception-aged children and continuing a downward trend for year six students, even as other regions see increases.
This inspiring progress, detailed by Leeds City Council’s National Child Measurement Programme, is the fruit of a comprehensive Child Healthy Weight Plan, strategic initiatives like the HENRY programme, and a pioneering ban on junk food advertising, demonstrating a powerful commitment to nurturing healthier futures for every child in Leeds despite persistent inequalities.
What are the recent trends and strategies in reducing childhood obesity rates in Leeds?
Childhood obesity rates in Leeds have declined for two consecutive years, with the lowest reception-age rate since 2016-17. This progress is attributed to a comprehensive Child Healthy Weight Plan, healthy eating initiatives, cross-sector collaboration, and targeted support for deprived communities, despite persistent inequalities.
Latest Trends in Childhood Obesity Rates in Leeds
Recent figures released by Leeds City Council reveal a significant reduction in childhood obesity rates for the second consecutive year. According to the annual National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP), the proportion of reception-aged children (four to five years old) living with obesity in Leeds fell to 9.1 percent in 2023-24, marking the lowest rate since 2016-17. For children in year six (aged 10 to 11), the decline continued, with rates dropping from 23.3 percent in 2022-23 to 22.2 percent in 2023-24. These results are particularly notable as they contrast with broader trends; both England and the Yorkshire and Humber region saw increases in obesity rates for reception-aged children during the same period, rising from 9.2 to 9.6 percent and 9.9 to 10.7 percent, respectively.
The NCMP, a statutory public health duty for local authorities, provides crucial information for service planning and the tracking of health trends among children. In the 2023-24 school year, a total of 18,151 children in Leeds were weighed and measured as part of the programme. This comprehensive data collection allows for targeted interventions and enhanced monitoring, ensuring that progress is accurately assessed each year.
Gender differences in obesity rates remain evident, mirroring national patterns. Boys are more likely to be living with obesity in both the reception and year six age groups. These disparities highlight the need for gender-sensitive health promotion strategies and further analysis to understand underlying causes and effective solutions.
Addressing Inequality and the Broader Social Context
Despite the overall progress, disparities persist, particularly among children living in the most deprived areas of Leeds. For reception-aged children in these communities, obesity rates fell slightly from 12.3 percent in 2022-23 to 12.2 percent in 2023-24. However, among year six children in deprived areas, the rate increased from 28 percent to 28.3 percent. These figures illustrate the complex interplay between socioeconomic factors and health outcomes, with disadvantaged families facing greater challenges in accessing nutritious food and maintaining healthy lifestyles.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be felt, both locally and nationally. The “spike effect” of the pandemic in 2020-21 contributed to rising obesity rates, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis has further deepened inequalities in food security and nutrition. Families on lower incomes are more likely to rely on cheaper, calorie-dense foods due to financial constraints. This reliance can have long-term consequences, potentially exacerbating chronic health conditions and impacting children’s future well-being.
In light of these challenges, the Leeds City Council has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing health inequalities. The city is designated as a Marmot City, a status that underscores a strategic focus on giving children the best start in life, accelerating improvements in the health of the poorest, and closing gaps in health inequality. As part of this mission, collaborative efforts among schools, early years providers, NHS colleagues, and the voluntary sector have become integral to reaching all communities effectively.
Strategic Initiatives and Policy Measures in Leeds
Leeds has implemented a comprehensive Child Healthy Weight Plan for over 12 years, taking a holistic approach to combatting childhood obesity. The plan emphasizes the importance of healthy environments and supporting families at every stage. Key components include:
- Healthy pregnancy and post-natal programmes
- Breastfeeding support
- Delivery of the HENRY parenting programme
The HENRY programme integrates support for family emotional well-being, physical activity, and healthy eating, reaching an estimated 400 families across Leeds each year. These initiatives collectively aim to nurture healthy behaviors from the earliest stages of life, setting a foundation for lifelong well-being.
In addition to targeted family support, Leeds City Council has adopted the Local Government Healthy Weight Declaration (HWD), leveraging influence across all departments to foster healthier environments. This cross-sectoral approach includes:
- Encouraging active travel to and from school
- Improving access to green spaces for recreation and exercise
- Influencing vending machine content and regulating hot food takeaways
Recently, the council introduced a ban on the promotion of junk food on advertising spaces it controls across the city, citing mounting evidence of the impact of commercial messaging on health behaviors. To further support healthy choices, the authority has developed a ‘Good Food Commitments’ programme for all council-managed cafes, increasing the availability of healthier options on menus.
Perspectives from City Leaders and the Path Forward
The commitment of Leeds to child health is reflected in statements from the city’s leadership. Councillor Fiona Venner, executive member for equalities, health, and wellbeing, emphasized, “Leeds has been committed for over 15 years to supporting families and children living with obesity. By using our cross-council powers to tackle the issue – such as our recent restriction on junk food adverts and creating healthier menus at our cafes – we can work to turn the curve on current trends and improve health outcomes of children and adults in Leeds.”
Victoria Eaton, director of public health, reinforced this dedication, stating, “Children living with obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st Century. We know that, as with the rest of the UK, there is a trend for increasing obesity rates, particularly as children get older, and continuing to tackle this underpins all of our city-wide obesity prevention work. While it is encouraging to see obesity rates fall among reception and year six children for the second year running, we know there is always more to do and we remain focused on our vision for every child in the city to be a healthy weight and live in an environment which supports a healthier life.”
Collaboration has been central to these achievements, involving schools, healthcare professionals, and the voluntary sector. The city’s multi-faceted strategy demonstrates the value of coordinated action, policy innovation, and sustained investment in public health. As the data from 2023-24 indicates, ongoing efforts are making a measurable difference, but the work continues to ensure that every child in Leeds has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive, health-promoting environment.