A research report by Nuffield Foundation found that rates of obesity and being overweight among under-fives had remained “broadly static” since 2005.
But these rates have increased markedly over the last year.
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Analysis: Call for child health advocate
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In England the proportion of children in this age group classified as obese rose from 9.9 per cent in 2019/20 to 14.4 per cent in 2020/21, which is around one in seven children.
One in 20 children are classified as severely obese when they start primary school, the research found.
This increases the risk of children being impacted by cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes in later life, warns the Nuffield Foundation.
The increase in obesity rates among children amid the Covid health crisis is among a raft of evidence presented in the Foundation’s report into worsening health for under-fives.
It found that over the last five years there has been “small but unprecedented” increases in the infant mortality rate. The UK’s rate is 30 per cent higher than the median average rate across European Union countries.
A slowing of the pace of improvement in tackling tooth decay is also highlighted by the Foundation. It found that there have been “significant declines” in dental decay among young children over the last two decades, however, this has slowed since 2014.
The Foundation warns that “poor oral health in young children can cause pain, loss of sleep, and affect school attendance and educational attainment”.
In addition, six per cent of two- to four-year-olds may have a mental health disorder. This is more prevalent among children living in low-income households and with parents who have a mental health problem.
“The concerning trends we present in this report reflect a failure to put the needs of babies and young children first,” said report co-author Dougal Hargreaves, from Imperial College London.
Nuffield Foundation early childhood lead Cary Oppenheim added: “The worsening picture on infant mortality, low birthweight and obesity is a major concern, with long term consequences for health and well-being into adulthood.
“There is such a clear link to levels of poverty and deprivation that action to tackle child poverty also needs to be a policy priority if substantial progress is to be made.”
Last month the government announced plans to pilot 15 clinics across England to support 1,000 children a year who are experiencing health issues related to severe obesity.
Meanwhile, research by Sport England has highlighted a decline in children’s activity during the pandemic.
It found that for the 2020/21 school year less than half of young people average the government’s recommended level of at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day.
“It is incredibly sad that millions of young people in England are missing out on the fundamental role that physical activity should play in their education and development,” said Youth Sport Trust chief executive Ali Oliver.
“In the face of a global physical and mental health crisis, we are worried that this is still not being treated as a core priority of our national recovery.
“From families and schools through to sports organisations and government, a concerted national effort is now needed to get young people active.”
