Treating childhood obesity: a guide for parents

Childhood obesity is a growing concern. According to the World Health Organisation, 160 million people aged five to 19 were living with obesity in 2022.

Here in the UK, the data paints an equally stark picture. A large-scale NHS survey showed that 12% of children in England aged between two and 10 were classified as obese in 2022. For children aged between 11 and 15, the proportion was 19% – nearly one in five.

These figures are troubling. Not only does obesity cost the NHS more than £6.5 billion each year, but it can also have profoundly negative effects on a person's health and quality of life. For children, as with adults, obesity can increase the risk of developing certain mental and physical health problems, including heart disease, diabetes and depression.

The good news is that childhood obesity is treatable. With the right support, children can achieve a healthy weight and learn positive habits they can carry into adulthood.

It's not always easy – far from it. Obesity is a complex and chronic disease that often requires lifelong management. But as a parent, the earlier you step in to help, the better.

In this article, we explore the most common childhood obesity treatments as well as at the support options available to children and their parents in the UK.

Please note that the information in this article is not intended to be taken as medical advice. For up-to-date guidance on childhood obesity, refer to the NHS website or speak to a healthcare professional.

How can I find out if my child has obesity?

It can be hard to know if a child is living with obesity. Looks can often be deceiving – especially in childhood.

One way to get an idea is to use the childhood BMI calculator on the NHS website. It can tell you whether your child is a healthy weight for their age and provide guidance on what to do next.

Speak to your doctor if you're worried about your child's weight, they've gained weight quickly or you've taken steps to help that haven't worked.

Childhood obesity treatment options

Lifestyle interventions

Lifestyle interventions such as diet changes and exercise are tried and tested methods of losing weight.

Your doctor may advise lifestyle interventions as a first port of call. However, you don't need to wait for your doctor to give the go-ahead. Encouraging your child to stay active and learn good eating habits can improve their overall health and well-being, as well as help them maintain a healthy weight.

The NHS website has helpful advice for parents who want to help their children manage their weight.

Behaviour change techniques

Behaviour change techniques (BCTs) go further than lifestyle interventions. They provide a structured way to help children and their families improve their lifestyle and eating habits.

BCTs involve working together to identify and rectify the behaviours that make it difficult for the child to lose weight. Together with their family members or caregivers, the child is encouraged to set achievable goals and monitor their progress as they work towards them.

You can access this type of treatment at specialist weight loss clinics.

Orlistat

Orlistat is a weight loss tablet that reduces the amount of fat absorbed from food. The drug is also available under the brand name Alli.

Children aged 12 to 17 can take orlistat only when it's prescribed by a specialist. This is not common practice. As the NHS obesity guidelines state, 'the use of orlistat in children is only recommended in exceptional circumstances, such as if a child is severely obese and has an obesity-related complication'.

Bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery is a type of operation that reduces the size of the stomach. This means patients feel full more quickly when eating. Because they eat smaller portions, it's easier for them to lose weight.

Bariatric surgery is considered a safe and effective treatment for adults. However, it's not usually recommended for children. It may be offered to older children in exceptional circumstances – for instance, if they're living with severe obesity and have obesity-related health conditions.

What support is available for children living with obesity?

Your NHS GP or a private doctor

If you're worried about your child's weight, you can ask your doctor for help. They'll give you tailored advice and can look for underlying health conditions that might be making things worse.