NHS to open first specialist clinics for severely obese children-including in South Yorkshire
A 'specialist clinic' is set to open at Sheffield Children's Hospital
Last updated 16th Nov 2021
Severely obese children and young people will receive intensive support in the coming months thanks to a pilot of 15 new specialist clinics set up by the NHS in England-including one in South Yorkshire.
One thousand children a year, who are aged between two and 18 and experiencing health complications related to severe obesity, will be supported to lose weight through the new services.
Children will also receive specialist treatment and tailored care packages developed with their family, which could include diet plans, mental health treatment and coaching.
Early action can prevent long term health problems such as Type 2 diabetes, heart attacks, strokes and even cancer, which is better for patients and the NHS.
The rollout of the pilot delivers on the NHS Long Term Plan ambition to treat children for severe complications related to their obesity, avoiding the need for more invasive treatment.
Group sessions will be provided with a full clinical team, including support from dietitians, psychologists, specialist nurses, social workers, youth workers and a paediatrician to ensure all health needs of each child are met.
As well as providing expert treatment, the services will identify the factors causing obesity in children, considering their mental and physical health.
Obesity affects one in five children in the UK and can increase the likelihood of a child developing serious health issues such as Type 2 diabetes, liver conditions and early heart disease. Children who are severely obese can also develop difficulties such as breathing problems, sleep issues and mental health problems, which can dramatically impact their quality of life.
In England, the number of children living with obesity doubles from the start of primary school to the end of primary school – with latest data showing that one fifth of children aged 10-11 are obese in England1.
Background:
The pilot scheme is based on an existing service in Bristol Royal Hospital for Children – the Care of Childhood Obesity (CoCO) clinic, which has treated thousands of children from across the South West
The 15 new centres will be based across the country in the following locations:
-Derriford Hospital
-Southampton University Hospitals
-Kent and Medway CCG there is an outreach clinic
-East London (Kings College London Hospital and Bart’s Health NHS Trust)
-West London (covered by Great Ormand Street Hospital, University Hospital London and Tavistock Hospital)
-Addenbrooke’s Hospital
-Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals
-Birmingham Women and Children’s
-Nottingham Children’s Hospital / Leicester Royal Infirmary
-Sheffield Children’s Hospital
-Alder Hey Children’s Hospital
-Manchester Children’s Hospital
-Royal Preston
-Leeds Teaching Hospital
-South Tees Hospital
2.5 million children in England are affected by excess weight or obesity, with 1.22 million significantly obese and eligible for treatment according to NICE guidance.
Obesity prevalence (including severe obesity) was more than twice as high in year 6 (21.0% which equates to 103,362 children) compared to reception (9.9%, 39,404 children). this is taken from the NHS Digital: National Child Measurement programme published in October 2020.