More than 60 per cent of York adults are overweight, the latest figures show.
Many children are also struggling with their weight in York. More than a third of Year 6 age children are overweight, and 21.4% of reception age children are overweight or obese.
A total of 61.4% of adults are overweight or obese, a new City of York Council reports says.
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However, York’s figures are lower than the national average, with 65.2% of adults in England, and 35.2% of Year 6 children, overweight.
Some areas of the city are more affected than others.
“Whilst we do not have data at ward level for adult obesity, a recent analysis of childhood obesity found that prevalence of obesity was highest in our most deprived wards of Westfield, Clifton and Guildhall. Children from Black ethnic minority
groups and boys in York were also found to have higher rates of obesity,” the York Council report says.
The pandemic lockdowns are likely to have increased the numbers of people who are overweight and obese in the city, the report notes.
The council is planning to launch a new scheme to tackle childhood obesity.
Leeds was the first city in the UK to see a sustained decline in childhood obesity after a 1% drop in rates over four years. That was thanks to a childhood weight management programme called HENRY.
This same scheme is due to begin in York this spring for families with children aged five and below.
“This programme works with families and children to support behaviour change, which helps parents gain the confidence, knowledge and skills they need to help the
whole family adopt a healthier, happier lifestyle,” the report says.
If it is successful, the scheme could be extended to families with older children.
The report will be discussed at a meeting of the health and adult social care policy and scrutiny committee on Monday, 24 January. Read the full report here.