National Child Measurement Programme 2023/24 Results
This week the Government published the latest National Chid Measurement Programme (NCMP) figures for 2023/2024. The NCMP measures the Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 1 million children in Reception and Year 6 annually in state-maintained schools in England.
This report is a useful tool for health professionals and policymakers who are working in population health, at local, regional and national level. For access to the full report, visit the NHS website.
Key report findings:
- Reception (children aged 4-5 years old):
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- The number of children living with obesity has risen from 9.2% in 2022/23 to 9.6% in 2023/24.
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- Those in the most deprived areas of the country were more than twice as likely to be living with obesity than those in the least deprived areas (12.9% vs 6%).
- Year 6 (children aged 10-11 years old)
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- The number of children living with obesity has decreased, falling from 22.7% in 2022/23 to 22.1% in 2023/24.
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- Similarly, children in the most deprived areas were more than twice as likely to be living with obesity (29.2% vs 13%)
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- Prevalence of obesity is higher in boys than girls across both age groups.
Sonia Pombo, Registered Nutritionist and Head of Impact and Research, Action on Salt said:
"The latest statistics from the National Child Measurement Programme highlights an escalating public health crisis, underscoring the urgent need to address the impact of our unhealthy food environment. What is especially concerning is the huge disparities in health being witnessed across the country, with children in the most deprived areas twice as likely to be living with obesity compared to those living in least deprived areas.
This is the result of the previous government's hands-off approach to public health. The power is now in the hands of the new government to deliver meaningful and lasting change for improved health, which includes the expansion of the successful soft drinks industry levy and mandatory measures to improve the nutritional quality of food and drink. Now more than ever, we need a food environment where healthier options are widely available, accessible, and affordable for all.”
