Children in West Berkshire are getting fatter.
Children in West Berkshire are facing rising obesity rates.
In 2023/24, over 20% of Reception Class kids were classified as overweight or obese, matching the national average. Among Year 6 students, a third fell into this category, although this is slightly lower than the national figure.
Alarmingly, obesity rates for Year 6 children have been climbing since 2018/19. This trend poses serious long-term health risks, including high blood lipids, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. Furthermore, obesity can exacerbate asthma and lead to psychological issues like low self-esteem and bullying.
In West Berkshire, two-thirds of adults are also classified as overweight or obese, reflecting national trends.
The West Berkshire Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2025-2028 highlights that community pharmacy teams are now positioned to offer weight management advice and referrals to local support services or the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme, which includes one-on-one coaching from weight loss experts.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
