The NHS is set to open 10 new specialist clinics across England to provide intensive support for thousands of children and young people who are severely obese.

The new clinics will bring the total to 30 and are intended to help children and their families prevent long-term conditions such as type 2 diabetes.

Around 3,000 obese children and young people aged between two and 18, will receive help to lose weight, treatment for complications as well as tailored care packages developed with their family, which could include diet plans, mental health care and coaching.

Figures have recently been announced which show that hospital admissions of obese youngsters under 17 has nearly tripled in a decade – going from 3,370 in 2011/12 to 9,431 in 2021/22.

Professor Simon Kenny, NHS England’s national clinical director for children and young people, said: “Living with excess weight can cause problems affecting every organ system resulting in long term complications such as early death, type 2 diabetes, stroke, early joint replacements and mental health issues.“These clinics’ holistic approach to treating obesity and its causes, will help children and young people in a way that respects them; and works with the specific factors of their individual situation.

“We are committed to helping as many children and young people as possible with their physical and mental health and these additional clinics are an important step in helping vulnerable children and young people live healthier and happier lives”.

Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay