Norwich hospital to trial first specialist clinics for severely obese children
NUHH will deliver specialist treatment and tailored support, to those needing it
Last updated 16th Nov 2021
Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital has been selected as one of fifteen institutions across the country to pilot the first specialist clinics for severely obese children, over the next few months.
The trial will deliver high-level treatment to those needing it and also offer tailored support like a diet plan to the child's family, thanks to work from an entire clinical team, ranging from dietitians to social workers to psychologists.
This comes as data shows that one fifth of children in England aged between ten and eleven are currently classed as being obese. While one thousand children aged between two and eighteen, experience health problems every year due to their weight.
Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of the NHS in England said: “The pandemic has shone a harsh light on obesity – with many vulnerable young people struggling with weight gain during the pandemic.
“Left unchecked, obesity can have other very serious consequences, ranging from diabetes to cancer.
“This early intervention scheme aims to prevent children and young people enduring a lifetime of ill-health.
The NHS Long Term Plan committed to take more action to help children and young people with their physical and mental health and these new services are a landmark moment in efforts to help them lead longer, healthier and happier lives.”