Almost a quarter of UK GPs are seeing obese children aged four and under

"Almost a quarter of GPs are seeing children aged four or under who are obese, according to a survey of UK family doctors. The alarming research also found that almost half (49%) of GPs have seen boys and girls up to the age of seven who have obesity, including a handful younger than a year old. However, four out of five family doctors find it difficult to talk to children or their parents about the condition."

"These findings are an alarming confirmation of the growing crisis of childhood obesity across the country and the very real difficulties this creates in everyday GP consultations. The survey asked 540 family doctors about their experience of managing obesity, the explosion in the use of weight loss drugs and what widespread levels of dangerous overweight means for the NHS. Almost one in four (23%) said they had seen children aged zero to four where obesity was a clinical concern."

"Among the doctors, 81% have seen obesity in those between their first 12 months and the age of 11. Four in five (80%) find it somewhat or very challenging to talk to the parents of an obese child under the age of 16 about their weight and health, with only 10% saying that is easy to do. Nearly two thirds (65%) find it hard to talk to obese young people themselves, with just 20% saying that is easy."

Almost one quarter of family doctors report seeing obese children aged four and under, with nearly half reporting obesity in children up to seven, including some under one year. Eighty-one percent have encountered obesity between 12 months and age 11. Among 540 family doctors reporting on managing obesity, concerns include the rapid rise in weight-loss drug use and implications for NHS services. Eighty percent find it challenging to discuss a child's weight with parents and 65% find it hard to speak with obese young people, citing fears of causing upset, anger, complaints, shame or stigma. Providers also worry conversations may trigger disordered eating. Complex drivers include poverty, limited access to nutritious food, and restricted opportunities for physical activity.

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