More than 20% of Shropshire Year 6 childen are obese - but county has one of the lowest rates in the West Midlands

Across the country, 10.5% of children in Reception and more than a fifth in Year 6 (the last year of primary school) were obese in 2024/25, with boys more likely to be overweight than girls.

Excluding the peak during the first year of the pandemic, this is the highest obesity prevalence seen in Reception year since records began in 2006/07, and is higher than the 9.6% in 2023/24.

But looking at the figures a little closer to home,  it was found that among Reception children (aged four to five), Telford & Wrekin has an estimated 11.3% of pupils classed as obese — slightly above the national average — while nearby Shropshire records a lower rate of 10.1%.

By Year 6 (ages 10 to 11), the gap widens further. Obesity among Telford & Wrekin pupils rises to 23.9%, compared with 20.1% in Shropshire.

The national report also said children from black ethnic groups are more likely to be living with obesity, while children from Indian ethnic groups are more likely to be underweight.

Obesity prevalence continues to be more than double in the most deprived areas compared to the least deprived areas for both Reception children (14.0% compared to 6.9%) and Year 6 (29.3% compared to 13.5%).

This “deprivation gap” has been increasing since the early years of data collection, the report said.

Professor Simon Kenny, NHS national clinical director for children and young people, said: “These figures are extremely concerning – obesity can have a devastating impact on children’s health, increasing their risk of Type 2 diabetes, cancer, mental health issues, and many other illnesses, which can sadly lead to shorter and unhappier lives.

“The NHS is transforming the lives of thousands of children and families impacted by severe weight issues through its specialist clinics, supporting them to lose weight, live heathier lives and improve their mental health through a personalised package of support.

“But prevention is key, and continued joined-up action by industry and wider society is essential if we want to improve the health of our younger generations.”

Katharine Jenner, executive director of the Obesity Health Alliance, said the data was a “stark reminder that poor child health remains a serious issue across England”, particularly among children living in the most deprived areas and those of black African heritage.

“Every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy, regardless of their background,” she added.

“The findings suggest that the recent small reductions in obesity among Reception-age children were short-lived, with this year’s figures showing one of the highest obesity rates recorded since the programme began.

“These concerning trends are at odds with the Government’s ambition to create the healthiest generation of children ever.”

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “This government will not look away as kids get unhealthier and critics urge us to leave them behind.

“Obesity robs children of the best possible start in life, sets them up for a lifetime of health problems, and costs the NHS billions.

“Today’s figures show the extent of the problem and the need to act now, which is exactly what we’re doing – in schools, on sports pitches, and online – to make healthy choices the easy choices, support families, and turn the tide on childhood obesity.

“This is prevention, not punishment, and will help families and children across the country.”

Reception:

• Stoke-on-Trent (2nd nationally) 15.1%
• Wolverhampton (4th nationally) 14.4%
• Walsall 13.8%
• Sandwell 13.3%
• Cannock Chase 13.1%
• South Staffordshire 13.0%
• Worcester 12.1%
• Dudley 11.9%
• Birmingham 11.6%
• Telford & Wrekin 11.3%
• Stafford 10.7%
• Shropshire 10.1%
• Lichfield 9.6%

Year 6:

• Sandwell (1st nationally) 30.7%
• Wolverhampton (3rd nationally) 30.0%
• Walsall (6th nationally) 28.4%
• Stoke-on-Trent 27.5%
• Birmingham 27.0%
• Dudley 24.9%
• Telford & Wrekin 23.9%
• Wyre Forest 23.0%
• South Staffordshire 22.6%
• Worcester 22.2%
• Cannock Chase 20.6%
• Lichfield 20.2%
• Shropshire 20.1%
• Stafford 19.5%

Around 1.1 million children were measured at state-maintained schools as part of the data collection.