Child obesity rates among Reception-aged children in Barking and Dagenham have seen a decrease, according to the latest National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) data for 2024/25. The percentage of these young children classified as above a healthy weight fell to 23.0%, a figure that is now 0.5% lower than the national average of 23.5%.
This marks a positive trend, with the rate for Reception children falling for three of the past four years. In 2023-24, the rate was 24.7%, a decrease from the previous year. Of those classified as above a healthy weight in 2024-25, 11.0% were overweight, 8.1% were very overweight, and 3.9% were severely obese. It is important to note that prior to 2023-24, children classified as very overweight and severely obese were grouped together in reports.
Long-term Health Risks
Despite the overall decrease, the long-term health implications for children who remain classified as very overweight or severely obese are significant. Nearly a quarter of reception-aged children were overweight or obese, impacting their health now and storing up health risks for later in life such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, liver disease, and some cancers. This underscores the importance of continued efforts to tackle childhood obesity.
Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors
The NCMP data also highlights demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with children who are classified as above a healthy weight. Reception-aged children of Black ethnicity had the highest rate at 27.2%, compared to children of Asian ethnicity who had the lowest at 17.6% among the four largest ethnic groups. Regarding deprivation, the report indicates that while the lowest rate of children measured above a healthy weight was observed in the least deprived decile, the effect of deprivation is not as pronounced in Barking and Dagenham's data as it is nationally. Furthermore, Year 6 boys classified as being above a healthy weight were more prevalent than girls, at 46.6% for boys compared to 39.1% for girls.
Sustaining Progress
To sustain and further enhance this positive trend, Barking and Dagenham has outlined a comprehensive approach. The 'It Starts Here: Partnerships for Change' document identifies School readiness and child obesity
as a key mission, signalling a continued focus on this area. Plans include a whole borough healthy weight plan with partners, new healthy weight pathways, digital support, healthy weight activities, individualised guidance, and specialist help for those unable to access mainstream activities. The Carers Charter Refresh and Action Plan 2026-2036 also aims to build on existing positive work and strengthen relationships within health to deliver on its objectives. The ongoing development of integrated neighbourhood teams and a coherent model of initiatives further supports these efforts.
NCMP Methodology and Scope
The National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) measured 6,390 pupils in total (3,233 in Reception and 3,157 in Year 6) for the 2024/25 data collection, based on Population BMI categories. However, the programme has limitations. Data collection for the 2020/21 year was impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, reducing the sample size and requiring cautious interpretation of that year's data. Potential inaccuracies in recording whole number measurements for heights and weights could also lead to miscategorisation of children's BMI. Additionally, low sample sizes in some deprivation deciles can lead to volatility in measurements when analyzing deprivation data.
Historical Data for Reception Children
In the 2023-24 academic year, 24.7% of Reception children were classified as above a healthy weight. This shows a downward trend from previous years, with the rate for Reception children falling for three of the past four years. The NCMP Summary for 2024/25 provides the following breakdown for Reception children classified above a healthy weight: Overweight (OW): 11.0%, Very Overweight (VOW): 8.1%, and Severely Obese (SO): 3.9%. It is important to note that in reports prior to 2023-24, children classified as very overweight and severely obese were included within the 'Very overweight' category, meaning specific comparable percentages for these distinct categories are not available for earlier years.
Year 6 Data
For Year 6 children, the NCMP data for 2024-25 shows 42.8% were classified above a healthy weight, a decrease from 44.5% in 2023-24. The breakdown for Year 6 children classified above a healthy weight in 2024-25 is: Overweight (OW): 14.1%, Very Overweight (VOW): 20.4%, and Severely Obese (SO): 8.4%.