NHS England is doubling its specialist Complications from Excess Weight (CEW) clinics and introducing smart scale technology to provide personalised, anxiety-reducing weight management support for thousands of severely obese children, addressing complex health and mental wellbeing challenges.
Thousands of severely obese children are now receiving crucial support to lose weight and embrace healthier lifestyles through an innovative initiative launched by NHS England. This initiative features the rollout of specialist clinics and cutting-edge digital technology, specifically designed to provide expert care in the comfort of families’ homes.
The introduction of smart scale technology, currently being trialled in 15 Complications from Excess Weight (CEW) clinics, represents a significant advancement. These devices feature ‘hidden digits’ that allow children to monitor their weight management progress without focusing on specific numbers, thereby reducing anxiety associated with conventional scales. The system connects to a mobile app, enabling healthcare staff to maintain continuous communication with families, offering personalised feedback and encouraging behavioural changes to meet weight loss goals.
This technological support comes at a critical time; recent analyses have revealed that over 4,784 children and young people aged 2 to 18 across England have received medical care for obesity-related complications since the establishment of CEW clinics in 2021. NHS leaders view this new smart scale initiative as an opportunity to greatly enhance the delivery of holistic care and further develop behavioural change strategies.
Professor Simon Kenny, NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Children and Young People, expressed optimism about the impact of this technological approach. “It is fantastic that through cutting-edge technology and a holistic and behaviour-change approach to obesity care, our specialist NHS clinics have already transformed the lives of thousands of children and young people,” he stated. He added that addressing obesity not only improves physical health but also can positively influence mental well-being, as excess weight is linked to a myriad of health complications, including type 2 diabetes and mental health issues.
Research presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga highlighted the complexities faced by children attending these clinics. Findings showed that many patients have neurodevelopmental disorders, with around 24% having autism and a similar percentage living with learning disabilities. The clinics have also reported significant health challenges among the population, including metabolic dysfunction and sleep apnoea. Alarmingly, more than 40% of patients reside in the most deprived areas, underscoring the need for targeted intervention in these communities.
Dr Catherine Homer, from Sheffield Hallam University, emphasised the importance of CEW clinics in providing tailored support for this vulnerable demographic, advocating for their continued inclusion in the forthcoming ten-year health plan. She stated, “There is an urgent need to provide specialised person-centred support for the many children and young people living with severe and complex forms of obesity.”
The personal experiences of young patients further illustrate the positive changes these clinics can foster. Sixteen-year-old Ibbie, who has attended a CEW clinic for two years, initially hesitated to seek help out of fear of judgement. However, she found the support welcoming and non-judgemental, focusing on her overall well-being rather than solely on weight loss metrics. Ibbie recounted her experience: “The team taught me a lot about food groups, portion sizes, and many other things. Now, I feel like I have gained control of my life again.”
The success of CEW clinics extends beyond treatment; they also work towards identifying the multifaceted factors associated with childhood obesity, integrating mental health and wellness into care pathways. NHS referrals for these clinics are given to children with a body mass index (BMI) above the 99.6 percentile accompanied by obesity-related health complications. This proactive approach aims to mitigate the risk of future invasive treatments while addressing the urgent public health challenge posed by rising obesity rates.
Support for these clinics is only expected to grow, with NHS England announcing plans to double the number of specialist clinics from 15 to 30, aided by an £18 million investment over two years. This expansion aims to provide intensive, personalised care to approximately 3,000 children, further solidifying the NHS’s commitment to tackling the growing epidemic of childhood obesity. As nearly one in ten children in their first year of school are now classified as obese, the urgency of these measures cannot be overstated.
NHS England’s strategic focus on childhood obesity reflects a broader recognition of the critical intersection between physical health, mental wellness, and the socio-economic factors influencing health outcomes. With adequate support and intervention strategies, the future looks brighter for children grappling with obesity, allowing them to pursue healthier lives unburdened by stigma and health complications.
Reference Map
- Article on NHS clinics and their use of smart scale technology.
- Expansion announcement for new NHS clinics for children.
- Description of CEW clinics and their holistic approach.
- Statistics on childhood obesity in first-year school children.
- NHS plans to double childhood obesity clinics.
- Announcement of new specialist clinics by Norfolk and Norwich University.
- Hospital admission trends for obese children.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.celebrityangels.co.uk/specialist-nhs-clinics-to-help-obese-children/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.england.nhs.uk/2023/06/nhs-to-open-new-specialist-clinics-for-obese-children-and-young-people/ – In June 2023, NHS England announced the opening of 10 new specialist clinics across England to support severely obese children and young people. This expansion brings the total number of such clinics to 30, aiming to provide intensive support to approximately 3,000 children aged between two and 18. The clinics offer tailored care packages developed with families, including diet plans, mental health care, and coaching, to prevent long-term health complications associated with obesity.
- https://www.england.nhs.uk/get-involved/cyp/specialist-clinics-for-children-and-young-people-living-with-obesity/ – NHS England’s Complications from Excess Weight (CEW) clinics provide holistic treatment for children and young people with severe obesity. The service focuses on identifying factors contributing to obesity, treating associated complications, and developing individualized care plans. These clinics are staffed by multidisciplinary teams, including doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and dietitians, offering comprehensive support to address both physical and mental health needs.
- https://www.england.nhs.uk/2024/11/almost-one-in-ten-children-obese-in-first-year-of-school/ – In November 2024, NHS England reported that nearly one in ten children in their first year of school were classified as obese. This statistic underscores the growing concern over childhood obesity and its potential long-term health implications. The NHS continues to implement various initiatives, including the expansion of specialist clinics, to address this public health challenge.
- https://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/news/clinical-areas/obesity-and-nutrition/nhs-doubles-planned-rollout-of-childhood-obesity-clinics-in-england/ – In June 2023, the NHS announced plans to double the number of specialist obesity clinics for children in England, increasing from 15 to 30. This initiative, backed by £18 million over two years, aims to provide intensive support to approximately 3,000 obese children and young people aged between two and 18. The clinics offer comprehensive care, including diet plans, mental health support, and coaching, to address the rising rates of childhood obesity.
- https://www.nnuh.nhs.uk/press-release/nnuh-to-open-new-specialist-clinics-for-severely-obese-children/ – Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NNUH) announced the opening of new specialist clinics for severely obese children. These clinics aim to provide intensive support to children aged between two and 18 experiencing health complications related to severe obesity. The services include specialist treatment and tailored care packages developed with families, encompassing diet plans, mental health treatment, and coaching.
- https://inews.co.uk/news/health/nhs-obesity-clinics-children-hospital-admissions-triple-2409970 – In October 2024, it was reported that the NHS had been compelled to open more specialist obesity clinics for children as young as two, following a significant increase in hospital admissions related to obesity. The number of obese children admitted to hospitals in England nearly tripled over a decade, prompting the expansion of these clinics to provide intensive support to thousands of severely obese children and their families.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative discusses recent NHS initiatives and statistics from 2021 onwards, indicating a relatively current context. However, without specific dates for the article, it’s difficult to assess if it is entirely fresh or possibly a rehashing of recent press releases.
Quotes check
Score:
6
Notes:
The article includes quotes from Professor Simon Kenny and Dr Catherine Homer, but without specific dates or original sources to verify these quotes, it is challenging to confirm their authenticity.
Source reliability
Score:
4
Notes:
The narrative originates from a lesser-known source, and there is no clear indication of the publication’s reputation or reliability. Therefore, the credibility of the information provided is uncertain.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about NHS initiatives and the use of smart scale technology align with plausible public health strategies, especially given the context of addressing childhood obesity. However, the narrative could benefit from more specific details or references to support the statistics and initiatives mentioned.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
While the narrative discusses plausible and relevant public health initiatives, the lack of specific dates and the uncertain reliability of the source leave many questions unanswered. The quotes and statistics presented are not fully verified, which affects the overall confidence in the information.
