NHS England has revealed that 10 more specialist obesity clinics for children are set to open this year after a surge in the last decade.

Some 9,431 children with obesity were admitted to hospital in England in 2021/22 compared to 3,370 in 2011/12, according to new figures from the service.

The clinics will help children as young as two years old and will provide “intensive” support to thousands of severely obese children and their families.

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.

These packages could include diet plans, mental health care and coaching, a spokesman added.

Oxford Mail: Each child going to the clinic will receive a tailored care package developed with their familyEach child going to the clinic will receive a tailored care package developed with their family (Image: PA)

The total number of clinics will rise to 30 after these 10 have been added on as part of an £18m project over the next two years.

'Doing nothing now is not an option'

NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard will announce the new clinics at the NHS ConfedExpo conference in Manchester.

During her speech, she is expected to say: “Obesity can lead to a string of serious illnesses such as cancer and diabetes – bringing a terrible human cost and also a real pressure on the NHS.

“Doing nothing now is not an option and so these new clinics will bring together a range of experts in one place providing intensive – but sensitive – physical and mental support for thousands of young people and their families.”

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”.