Halve childhood obesity: a healthier future for every child
Every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy, active and confident. Halving childhood obesity is an ambitious goal—but it is achievable if families, schools, communities, businesses and government work together to make healthier choices easier for everyone.
Childhood obesity is not simply a matter of willpower or individual choice. Children’s health is shaped by many factors, including the food available and affordable to their families, opportunities to be active, safe places to play, sleep, stress and the environments in which they live. Effective action must address these influences without blaming or stigmatising children or their families.
Make nutritious food easier to access
Children need a balanced diet to support their growth and development. Yet the healthier option is not always the most affordable, convenient or widely available. Improving access to nutritious food means supporting families facing financial pressures, ensuring school meals are appealing and nourishing, and making healthy options readily available in shops and community settings.
Food businesses also have a role to play. Clear information, appropriate portions and the reformulation of products to contain less salt, sugar and saturated fat can help improve the food environment. Advertising and promotions should support children’s health rather than encourage frequent consumption of foods high in fat, salt or sugar.
Make movement part of everyday life
Physical activity benefits children’s physical health, wellbeing, sleep and confidence. It does not have to mean organised sport: walking or cycling to school, playing outdoors, dancing and active games all count. Schools and local authorities can help by providing enjoyable opportunities to move, maintaining safe routes and creating welcoming parks and play spaces.
Children have different interests, abilities and needs. Activities should be inclusive, accessible and enjoyable, so that every child can take part without feeling judged or left out.
Support families with care and respect
Parents and carers can help build healthy routines around meals, sleep, screen time and activity. But families should not be left to tackle a complex issue alone. They need practical, affordable support and access to health professionals who can offer advice that is appropriate to a child’s age, development and circumstances.
Conversations about weight should be handled sensitively. Shame and teasing can harm a child’s wellbeing and discourage them from seeking support. The focus should be on health, happiness and positive habits—not appearance or blame.
Build healthier places for children
Children’s surroundings influence the choices available to them. Local councils, schools, planners and businesses can work together to create neighbourhoods where active travel is safe, play is encouraged and healthier food is easier to find. These changes should benefit all children, including those in communities facing the greatest barriers to good health.
Measure progress fairly
To halve childhood obesity, progress must be tracked over time and across different communities. Measurement can help identify where support is needed, but it should be used responsibly and alongside a wider understanding of children’s health and wellbeing. Data should guide better services and policies—not label or shame individual children.
A shared responsibility
Halving childhood obesity will take sustained action, not a single campaign or quick fix. Families can encourage healthy routines, schools can create supportive environments, businesses can improve the products and marketing children encounter, and governments can shape policies that make healthier choices more accessible.
A healthier future is possible when the responsibility is shared and the solutions are practical, compassionate and fair. By changing the environments around children—and supporting them with kindness—we can help every child have a better opportunity to thrive.
Halving Childhood Obesity: Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Class III obesity?
- Why is childhood obesity a problem?
- How to help an 11 year old lose weight?
- What is considered a BMI of over 40?
What is Class III obesity?
Class III obesity is the highest clinical category of obesity, commonly defined in adults as a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above. BMI is a screening measure rather than a complete assessment of health, and it is interpreted differently for children, whose age and sex must be taken into account. The term describes a health category, not a person’s worth or character; only a qualified health professional can assess an individual’s health and discuss suitable support.
Why is childhood obesity a problem?
Childhood obesity can affect a child’s health and wellbeing both now and later in life. It is associated with a higher risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and may affect sleep, mobility and emotional wellbeing. Children living with excess weight can also face stigma or bullying, which can harm their confidence and mental health. These effects are not inevitable, and a child’s weight is shaped by many factors—not simply personal choice—so support should be compassionate, practical and free from blame.
How to help an 11 year old lose weight?
If you’re concerned about an 11-year-old’s weight, speak with their GP or school nurse before trying to help them lose weight: children are still growing, so the right approach depends on their development and health. Avoid diets, strict food rules or comments that could cause shame; instead, support the whole family to enjoy regular balanced meals, drink water, get enough sleep and find enjoyable ways to be active. Keep the focus on health and wellbeing rather than appearance, and ask a health professional for tailored advice.
What is considered a BMI of over 40?
A BMI over 40 is generally classed as severe obesity in adults, but BMI is only a screening measure and does not directly assess overall health. It is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in metres squared. BMI categories are interpreted differently for children and young people, where age and sex are taken into account, so adult cut-offs should not be used; a GP or other qualified health professional can explain what the measurement means and discuss appropriate support.