A disproportionate number of children referred to NHS excess weight clinics in England are from the most deprived areas, and a significant number are neurodivergent or have other health conditions, a study has found. Some have abody mass index (BMI)over 50, with 40 deemed to be severely obese. Nearly 4,800 under-18s have been referred to the clinics since they were set up in 2021, according to research carried out by Leeds Beckett, Sheffield Hallam, Leeds and Bristol universities and presented at the European Congress on Obesity. The clinics provide mental health support and care for other underlying conditions, as well as dietary advice. Specialist excess weight clinics treat severely obese children in England aged 2-17, who are flagged as needing help by their GP or another doctor. The clinics are run by multi-disciplinary teams including paediatricians, psychologists and dieticians. The new research, which looked at 32 of the clinics, found that over 40% of the children attending them lived in the most deprived neighbourhoods. Based on data from more than 3,000 child patients, many had other health conditions: "Living with excess weight can cause problems affecting every organ system," said Professor Simon Kenny, national clinical director at NHS England. "We also know that children living with health problems can have poorer school attendance, which can affect their future employment and life opportunities. "The NHS won't just sit by and let children and young people become ill adults." Some of the specialist clinics are using digital technology for weight loss support. For example, children can use 'smart scales' at home which do not show their weight. The data is connected to a mobile app to show the trend without the numbers. Only clinicians are able to see the data and provide feedback to the family. In another paper presented tothe European Congress on Obesity, presented by Dr Annika Janson from Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden, researchers said giving weight loss jabs to children could be effective. She said that trials of the drugs in children aged 12 and over had shown a loss of 5-16% of body weight after a year, but added it was "difficult to isolate the effect of adding GLP-1 drugs to the plethora of treatments that are already available". The medicines regulator NICE has not approved weight loss drugs for routine use by children in England, although they can be provided by specialists if there is urgent clinical need. Body mass index (BMI) is widely used as a simple way of finding out whether a person is a healthy weight for their height. For adults: a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered to be a healthy weight a BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered to be overweight a BMI over 30 is considered to be obese But it's not accurate for everyone because it can't tell the difference between fat and muscle, and doesn't take into account ethnic background. Your waist circumference may be a better guide.
Child obesity clinics seeing BMIs over 50
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Study Reveals High Rates of Severe Obesity Among Children Referred to NHS Clinics"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
A recent study has highlighted alarming trends in child obesity referrals to NHS excess weight clinics in England, revealing that a significant proportion of these children come from the most economically deprived areas. The data indicates that nearly 4,800 under-18s have been referred to these clinics since their establishment in 2021, with a substantial number presenting with a body mass index (BMI) over 50, classifying them as severely obese. The research, conducted by a collaboration of universities including Leeds Beckett and Sheffield Hallam, was presented at the European Congress on Obesity. The findings emphasize that over 40% of the children attending these specialized clinics reside in deprived neighborhoods, where additional health challenges are often prevalent. Professor Simon Kenny, the national clinical director at NHS England, pointed out the broader implications of excess weight on children's health and future opportunities, noting the correlation between poor health and lower school attendance rates.
The clinics are designed to provide comprehensive care, including mental health support and dietary advice, and are staffed by multi-disciplinary teams of paediatricians, psychologists, and dieticians. Innovative approaches such as the use of digital technology for weight management are being implemented, allowing children to monitor their weight trends through smart scales connected to a mobile app, while keeping the actual numbers private. Moreover, discussions around the use of weight loss medications for children have emerged, with some studies suggesting that GLP-1 drugs may lead to significant weight loss in adolescents. However, the use of such medications is currently restricted, as the medicines regulator NICE has not approved their routine use for children. The research and ongoing discussions around the treatment of childhood obesity underscore the urgent need for effective interventions to address this growing public health crisis in England.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights a pressing issue regarding childhood obesity in England, particularly emphasizing the disproportionate impact on children from deprived areas. The findings reveal alarming statistics about the severity of obesity among these children, indicating a significant public health crisis that necessitates immediate attention.
Socioeconomic Context
The study reveals that over 40% of children attending NHS excess weight clinics come from the most deprived neighborhoods. This underscores the socioeconomic factors contributing to obesity, suggesting that poverty may limit access to healthy food options and physical activities. By shining a light on these disparities, the article aims to raise awareness about the need for targeted interventions in these communities.
Health Complications
The article mentions that many children attending these clinics have other health conditions that exacerbate their obesity. This connection between excess weight and overall health is crucial, as it points out that obesity is not merely a cosmetic issue but a serious health concern that can lead to long-term complications. The aim here seems to be to foster understanding among the public that addressing childhood obesity is essential for improving overall child health and future opportunities.
Technological Solutions
The discussion of digital technology, such as 'smart scales' that connect to mobile apps, indicates an innovative approach to managing weight loss in children. This aspect of the article may be attempting to instill hope and present proactive solutions to an otherwise daunting problem. It suggests that modern technology can play a role in addressing health issues, potentially appealing to a tech-savvy audience that values advancements in healthcare.
Community and Policy Response
The narrative encourages a collective response from healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities to combat childhood obesity. By emphasizing NHS's commitment to not allowing children to become "ill adults," the article may be advocating for sustained investment in public health programs and resources. This could mobilize community support and enhance public dialogue regarding childhood obesity prevention strategies.
Manipulation and Trustworthiness
The article appears to be factual and presents data from credible sources, including universities and NHS reports. However, the focus on socioeconomic disparities may lead to the perception that the issue is primarily rooted in poverty, potentially oversimplifying a complex problem. While the article does not seem to exhibit overt manipulation, it may unintentionally create an environment of bias by framing the narrative around deprivation.
In summary, this article effectively highlights the urgent issue of childhood obesity while providing insights into its socioeconomic implications and health risks. By utilizing credible research and discussing innovative solutions, it maintains a level of trustworthiness, although the framing could lead to simplified interpretations of the underlying causes of obesity.