London to benefit from two specialist clinics for severely obese children
The clinics will cover west and east London
15 specialist clinics for severely obese children are being launched across the UK and two will benefit London.
The centres being set up as part of an NHS pilot will cover west and east London.
East London will be covered by Kings College London Hospital and Bart’s Health NHS Trust.
West London will be covered by Great Ormand Street Hospital, University Hospital London and Tavistock Hospital.
About a thousand children aged two to 18 years old will benefit from the services each year, which will offer diet plans, mental health treatment and coaching.
They will have access to dietitians, psychologists, specialist nurses, social workers, youth workers and a children’s doctor.
The clinics have been opened as part of a pilot scheme, which will be extended if it proves successful.
Obesity affects one in five children in the UK.
In England, the number of children living with obesity doubles from the start of primary school to the end of primary school.
To help avoid long-term issues
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.
The 15 new centres will be based 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.