Obesity rates of school kids in England revealed — find out where your area lies

Data published by NHS England shows the level of obesity among year 6-age schoolchildren in every local authority area in England in 2023/24.

The findings, from the Government’s National Child Measurement Programme in mainstream state-maintained schools, were based on children aged 10 to 11 and the postcode of their home address.

According to the list, Sandwell in the West Midlands ranked the highest in the country for obese year 6-age schoolchildren with 31 per cent. Other nearby areas also ranked highly including Wolverhampton (3rd: 29.3 per cent) and Walsall (11th: 27.6 per cent). 

The Telford & Wrekin local authority area ranked 58th (24.7 per cent).

But where does your local area lie? Use our searchable table to find out below!

Nationally, the latest NHS data reveals that 22.7% of Year 6 pupils measured for height and weight this year were classified as obese, marking a decrease from 23.4% the previous year. However, this figure remains higher than pre-pandemic levels, when 20.2% of children measured in 2018/19 were considered obese.

Obesity elevates the risk of numerous health conditions both in childhood and adulthood, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain cancers. Children who are obese are also much more likely to remain obese into adulthood, increasing the likelihood of serious health complications.