Childhood Healthy Weight

Childhood Healthy Weight
Healthy Lives
Physiological Risk Factors
Overweight
Obesity
Diabetes
Physical Activity

introduction Introduction

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. In children this is measured using height and weight to calculate a child’s BMI. For population monitoring purposes, a child’s body mass index (BMI) is classed as overweight or obese where it is on or above the 85th centile or 95th centile, respectively.

Nearly a third of children and young people are overweight or obese, rates are highest in children from the most deprived areas. Obesity prevalence for children living in the most deprived areas is more than double that of those living in the least deprived areas.

Obesity in childhood can have serious implications on physical and mental health, which can follow on into adulthood. It is associated with poor psychological and emotional health, and many children experience bullying linked to their weight. Children living with obesity are more likely to become adults living with obesity and have a higher risk of morbidity, disability and premature mortality in adulthood.

Being overweight or obese can lead to chronic and severe medical conditions including type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, and psychological disorders.

Childhood obesity: applying All Our Health, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, April 2022

Childhood obesity: applying All Our Health, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, April 2022

At a very basic level, obesity is caused by consuming more calories than are expended. However, obesity is a complex problem with a wide range of influences, making it difficult for people to adapt their behaviour and make changes to their diet and lifestyle. There is no single effective solution.

Risk factors and influences

  • Maternal Health – There is a significant relationship between maternal obesity resulting in above normal weight babies and the subsequent development of childhood obesity.
  • Parental Health – Children who live in a family where at least one parent or carer is living with obesity are more at risk of growing up to be above a healthy weight themselves.
  • Poor diet and lack of physical activity.
  • Individual Physiology - An individual’s biological make up
  • Food Environment - The influence of the food environment on an individual’s food choice, for example, a decision to eat more fruit and vegetables may be influenced by the availability and quality of fruit and vegetables.
  • Societal Influences - The impact of society, for example the influence of media, education, peer pressure or culture
  • Activity Environment - for example lack of green space.

why is it important to population health Why is it important to Population Health?

Childhood obesity presents a major challenge to health and wellbeing and is associated with an increased risk of premature mortality in adults, as well as poor health and development in children. Childhood Obesity also impacts on mental wellbeing, increasing the risk of low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, bullying and poor educational attainment.

Children who are obese or overweight are increasingly developing type 2 diabetes and liver problems during childhood.

the derbyshire population approach The Derbyshire Population Health Approach

The Derbyshire Population Health Approach focuses on prevention, population health, evidence-informed practices, causes, and collaboration. It emphasises proactive measures to prevent health issues, tailors interventions to specific populations, incorporates evidence-informed practices, addresses underlying causes, and promotes collaboration for effective action.

When considering the topic of childhood healthy weight within The Derbyshire Population Health Approach:

• Prevention Prevention

Prevention strategies for overweight and obesity in children focus on promoting healthy eating habits, physical activity, and weight management from an early age. This includes educational programs for parents and caregivers, school-based initiatives, and policies that ensure access to nutritious foods and opportunities for active play. Preventive measures aim to reduce the risk of childhood obesity.

There are different tiers of support available in Derby and Derbyshire to prevention overweight and obesity in children:

• Population Population

Addressing childhood obesity requires understanding how it disproportionately affects certain groups within the population. National and local data indicate that children from more deprived backgrounds are more likely to be overweight or obese. In Derbyshire, this trend is also evident, with children from lower-income households facing greater barriers to healthy eating and regular physical activity.

Vulnerable groups include children living in socio-economically disadvantaged areas, those with parents or carers who are overweight, and children from ethnic minority backgrounds, where cultural influences may impact dietary habits and levels of physical activity. It’s also recognised that children with physical or learning disabilities may face additional barriers to maintaining a healthy weight due to limitations in physical activity or specialised dietary needs.

Understanding these disparities is crucial in targeting interventions. Tailoring programmes to specific communities, such as those with high deprivation or where cultural factors influence lifestyle choices, is necessary to reduce health inequalities. By providing equal access to healthy foods, safe spaces for physical activity, and family-based education, Derbyshire aims to create an environment where every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to maintain a healthy weight.

• Evidence Evidence

The Population Health Approach to “Healthy Weight in Children” relies on evidence-informed practices to guide interventions and policies. Research and data analysis help identify effective strategies for preventing and managing childhood obesity, including the impact of family environments, school settings, and community resources. This evidence-informed approach ensures that population health efforts are well-informed and effective.

• Causes Causes

Understanding the causes of childhood overweight and obesity, such as unhealthy dietary choices, lack of physical activity, and societal influences, is essential. Population health initiatives aim to address these root causes through policies, educational programs, school wellness initiatives, and community-based interventions that promote healthy behaviours among children.

• Collaboration Collaboration

Collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, schools, healthcare providers, parents, community organisations, and food industries, is vital for addressing childhood overweight and obesity. Collaborative efforts can lead to the development of policies that support nutritious school meals, physical education programs, and community engagement initiatives that foster healthy habits in children.


latest derbyshire data Latest Derbyshire Data


Trend Data


Derbyshire Quilt


Prevalence Maps of Derbyshire

The maps below illustrate Lower Super Output Areas (LSOAs) and Middle Super Output Areas (MSOAs) for Derbyshire. LSOAs and MSOAs are geographical divisions used for statistical purposes, allowing for more detailed analysis of local data. In these maps, you can explore various health indicators and data for Derbyshire, providing valuable insights into the area’s health and wellbeing.