School absence as the hidden driver of childhood obesity

BBC InDepth argues that missing school during and after the Covid-19 era is a key, overlooked factor driving UK childhood obesity. About 6,000 severely obese children have been treated across 39 NHS CEW clinics, but the network reaches only around 5% of eligible youngsters. Persistent absence has risen from 10% to 18%, and experts say returning children to school improves diet, physical activity, and access to healthcare. While weight‑loss drugs are discussed, they aren’t a standalone fix; the broader solution involves healthcare support in schools, better monitoring, and boosting attendance to curb a £12bn NHS obesity-related cost.