Latest insights from National Child Measurement Programme prompt Government commitment to push against unhealthy foods
Following new figures published from the National Child Measurement Programme, the government have announced their commitment to pushing preventative strategies to reduce obesity rates and promote healthier childhoods.
The figures, collected from over 1.1 million children in England between 2024 and 2025 revealed that whilst the majority of children remain a healthy weight, 10.5% of children in reception and 22.2% of year 6 children are living with obesity. Obesity prevalence was also over twice as high in the most deprived areas (14.0% of reception and 29.3% of year 6 children) compared to less deprived (6.9% in reception and 13.5% in year 6 children). Excluding the pandemic peak, these statistics are the highest obesity rates since measurements began in 2006.
In a bid to reduce these rates, the government reconfirmed its commitment to creating healthy food environments for children, citing current measures such as:
- Restrictions on junk food advertising - a policy previously delayed earlier this year and now due to take effect from January 2026. To protect children’s exposure to unhealthy food and drink, such products will not be allowed to advertise on TV before 9pm and online.
- A consultation on plans to ban the sale of high caffeine sugary energy drinks to children under 16. Announced in September, the consultation predicts such a ban could prevent obesity in up to 40,000 children.
- Restrictions on multibuy deals - since October this year, promotions such as “buy one get one free” and “3 for 2” on less healthy foods have been restricted, with the policy projecting health benefits worth £2 billion.
- An expansion of free school meals and a revision of the School Foods Standards to grant children better access to nutritious meals.
Read the full press release on the government website.
