New clinic for childhood obesity to open in Surrey, UK
Surrey is set to benefit from a pioneering initiative aimed at combating childhood obesity, as revealed by the BBC. The newly established Complications from Excess Weight (CEW) clinic, a part of Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is preparing to welcome its first referrals in early autumn, 2024.
This service forms part of a broader national strategy, initiated by NHS England in 2022, to open 30 dedicated clinics across the country. These clinics are designed to offer comprehensive support services, including mental health care and nutritional guidance, to children grappling with obesity.
The teams at these clinics will consist of multidisciplinary professionals such as consultant paediatricians, dietitians, and psychologists, who are committed to a holistic treatment approach for the affected children and their families.
Vicky Williams, the Associate Director of Women and Children’s Services at Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care System, highlighted the urgent need for such services: “Obesity affects one in four children in the UK and it can increase the likelihood of a child developing serious health issues.” She emphasised the importance of early intervention and continuous support to prevent future complications. Williams expressed optimism about the local availability of the service, stating, “It means that, in future, children and young people will be referred to a specialist service in Surrey, closer to home, instead of having to travel further away – so it’s good news for families in Surrey.”
Furthermore, the NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board mentioned that currently, children eligible for the CEW clinic’s services in its area are receiving care from consultants based in Southampton. Plans are underway to establish a similar clinic closer to home for patients from Surrey Heath and Farnham, North East Hampshire, and East Berkshire.
The urgent need for such clinics is underscored by alarming statistics; NHS leaders have noted that obesity impacts one in four children in the UK, potentially leading to severe health problems such as Type 2 diabetes, liver disorders, and early onset heart disease. Data from the latest child measurement programme in schools indicates that nearly 13% of children assessed in Surrey during the 2022/23 school year were living with obesity by the time they reached year six of primary school.
Previous governmental measures include the 2018 imposition of a tax on high-sugar soft drinks and limitations on the promotion of unhealthy products in supermarkets across England.
The new Labour government has expressed a firm commitment to addressing this health crisis. A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson detailed forthcoming measures: “We will introduce tight restrictions on advertising junk food, alongside banning children from being able to purchase sugary, high caffeine energy drinks. By building a healthier society, we will help to build a healthy economy.” This statement underscores the government’s proactive stance on cultivating a healthier future for the next generation.
