Obesity

Obesity has now been acknowledged to be one of the most serious public health problems facing the UK. From an economic perspective, predictions are for sharp rises in the cost to the taxpayer for treating obesity and related chronic illness. People who are obese die on average nine years earlier than those of normal weight. It is estimated that approximately 26% of the Kent adult population is obese.

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Our resources

Data and reports

In 2020, we produced a health needs assessment on childhood weight.. The adult healthy weight needs assessment is due to be published towards the end of 2024.

Ever year we analyse the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) for Kent children in reception year and year 6.

The 2023/24 academic year NCMP headline results
The 2022/23 academic year NCMP full analytical report. and headline results.
View our previous Analytical report using NCMP data for the 2021/22 academic year, including trends and inequalities analysis.

We have produced literature reviews that examine evidence for engaging with minority groups in weight management programmes and examining the relationship between weight and unemployment.

In 2017 and 2018, we produced reports on the adult lifestyle weight management and family weight management (Tier 2) programmes commissioned by Kent County Council.

External resources

A number of organisations produce statistics relating to obesity and its impact on health, both at national and local level.

The OHID NCMP Local Authority Profile contains data from the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP).
The OHID Health Profiles and Child Health Profiles provide snapshot overviews of health for local areas, and include some data on child and adult obesity.
The Public Health Outcomes Framework also provides data on key obesity indicators
NHS Digital publish a statistical report on obesity, physical activity and diet as well as key findings from the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP).