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# Ipswich childhood obesity rate higher than England average despite improvements
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/ipswich-childhood-obesity-rate-higher-than-england-average-despite-improvements/
- Published: 2024-11-26T10:02:24.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:29:23.000Z
- Description: While Ipswich has seen improvement in childhood obesity rates, the town's figure of 23.4% remains above the national average of 22.1%. Health experts warn economic inequality is driving the crisis.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Health, Fitness & Wellness, Diversity, Equality & Inclusion, #article, #Import 2026-03-16 14:46

**The big picture:** Around 395 year 6 pupils in Ipswich were classified as obese or severely obese in the 2022-23 academic year, according to new data from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities.

![Obese child](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1728929360-obese-child-2.jpg)

5.9% of Ipswich year 6 pupils are severely obese Photo: Ben Gingell (Getty Images)

**By the numbers:**

- Ipswich's obesity rate dropped from 25.2% to 23.4% year-on-year
- 5.9% of Ipswich year 6 pupils are severely obese
- National average stands at 22.1%, down from 22.7%
- Pre-pandemic rate was 21% in 2019-20

**Why it matters:** Professor Simon Kenny, NHS England's national clinical director for children and young people, describes obesity as a "ticking health time bomb" that affects every organ and increases risks of:

- Type 2 diabetes
- Cancer
- Mental health issues

**Between the lines:** Children from England's most deprived areas are twice as likely to be living with obesity compared to those from the least deprived areas.

**What they're saying:** Dr Helen Stewart from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health called the inequality "impossible to ignore," adding that "successive governments have failed to tackle" this health disparity.

**Solutions in focus:** The Local Government Association wants:

- Sugar tax revenue targeted at deprived areas
- Tax extended to milkshakes and high-sugar drinks
- Tax extended to cakes, biscuits and chocolate

**The bottom line:** While Ipswich has shown improvement in childhood obesity rates, the figures remain concerning. Health experts argue that addressing poverty and economic inequality is crucial to tackling the issue effectively.

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