Children in West Berkshire are getting fatter

Children in West Berkshire are getting fatter.

In 2023/24, over a fifth of children in Reception Class in West Berkshire were classified as overweight or obese, a figure similar to the national average.

Among children in Year 6, a third were overweight or obese, a rate lower than the national average. However, obesity levels among Year 6 children have been rising since 2018/19.

Childhood obesity is increasing and has a significant impact on long-term health outcomes. Children who are overweight or obese may experience elevated blood lipids, glucose intolerance, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and liver enzyme increases linked to fatty liver disease.

Additionally, obesity can worsen conditions such as asthma and lead to psychological issues, including social isolation, low self-esteem, teasing and bullying.

In 2022/23, two thirds of adults in West Berkshire were classified as overweight or obese, a figure similar to the national average.

The figures are in tbhe West Berkshire Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2025-2028 which says community pharmacy teams can now identify people who would benefit from weight management advice and provide an onward referral to local weight management support or the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme which provides opportunity for one-to-one coaching from a weight loss expert.