NHS opens 10 new weight loss clinics for obese children – as demand soars

THE NHS has set up 10 more clinics for obese children to cope with bulging demand.

Around 3,000 more overweight kids every year will be sent for medical help to shift the flab and get treatment for complications like diabetes.

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The new clinics, to be announced at the NHS Confed Expo today, take the total in England to 30 and will be backed by £18million over the next two years.

NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard said “doing nothing is not an option”.

She added: “Obesity can lead to a string of serious illnesses such as cancer and diabetes, bringing a terrible human cost and also a real pressure on the NHS.

“These new clinics will bring together a range of experts in one place providing intensive — but sensitive — physical and mental support."

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One in 10 children aged four to five were obese in England last year, while a further 12 per cent were overweight.

The numbers were higher in children aged 10 to 11, with nearly a quarter obese and 14.3 per cent overweight in the same year.

Experts have raised concern about soaring levels, with hospital admissions for obesity in under-17s surging 40 per cent in a year in 2021 to 2022.

The clinics offer diet plans and mental health coaching to severely obese children that are suffering complications.

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Professor Simon Kenny, of NHS England, said: “These clinics’ holistic approach to treating obesity and its causes, will help children and young people in a way that respects them.

“We are committed to helping as many children and young people as possible with their physical and mental health.

“These additional clinics are an important step in helping vulnerable children and young people live healthier and happier lives.”

Health minister Neil O’Brien said: “We want to give children and young people the best start in life, and we know that obesity is linked to a whole host of health problems.

“We’re determined to halve childhood obesity by 2030 and these clinics are a great step forward to get more youngsters the support they need.”