Trends in childhood obesity for upper tier local authorities in England between 2007/08 and 2023/24: a latent trajectory analysis.

backgroundChildhood obesity is a major public health issue, with significant variation across England. Understanding the causes of this variation can offer insights to improve practice. We aimed to identify areas diverging from national trends using data from 150 Local Authorities (LAs) in the National Child Measurement Programme (2007/08-2023/24).

methodsGrowth mixture models identified classes with distinct trajectory profiles. Logistic regression tested whether deprivation (Indices of Multiple Deprivation/Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index) and ethnicity predicted class assignment.

resultsFor both Reception and Year 6, two trajectory classes emerged. Reception Class I: 'Moderate & Stable' (132/150, 88%); Class II: 'High & Declining' (18/150, 12%). Year 6 Class I: 'Moderate & Rapidly Increasing' (135/150, 90%); Class II: 'High and Gradually Increasing' (15/150, 10%). Assignment to Class II was associated with higher deprivation; a higher proportion of children from ethnic minority groups; and relative reductions in deprivation and shifts in school ethnic composition.

conclusionA small number of LAs, predominantly in South-East England, have a less adverse trend in child obesity prevalence compared to the majority. Assignment to this group was associated with higher deprivation; a higher proportion of children from ethnic minority groups; and reducing deprivation and changing ethnicity over time.