Obesity

Key issues

  • 63.8% of adults (18+ years) in England are classified as overweight or obese. Rates in North Tyneside are higher than that of the England average at 70.7%. This equates to almost three out of four adults.
  • In England 21.3% of children in Reception (aged 4-5 years) are overweight or obese, this rises to 36.6% of children by the time they are in Year 6 (aged 10-11 years). Slightly higher rates are seen in North Tyneside at 22.1% in Reception however, by Year 6 rates are slightly lower at 36.1%.
  • Overweight and obesity levels have increased locally and nationally year on year. All evidence to date suggests that rates will continue to rise and are likely to have been accelerated by the impact of COVID-19.
  • Certain communities are disproportionately affected by obesity including, those living in areas of high deprivation, people from Black, Asian, and other minority ethnic groups, and people with learning disabilities. These population groups are at greater risk of developing obesity and therefore typically have higher rates of obesity.
  • Obesity is associated with reduced life expectancy. It is a risk factor for a range of chronic diseases. Evidence also shows an established link between people living with obesity and an increased risk of severe illness or mortality from COVID-19.
  • Obesity in both adults and children is associated with poor psychological and emotional health and poor sleep. People living with obesity are likely to suffer from weight stigma, negatively impacting on their self-esteem.