A dramatic surge has been noted in the number of obese children in England during the COVID-19 pandemic, indicate data from NHS Digital.

In 2019-20, 10% of children were obese at the beginning of primary school; however, in 2020-21, it increased to over 14%. During the last year of primary school, the figure increased from 21% to more than 25%. Interestingly, the rates were nearly double in the poorest areas.

According to experts, poverty, lockdowns and an increase in mental health problems could have played a role in the surge. This increase is in marked contrast to previous years, when very gradual increases were seen… (BBC, November 16, 2021)