Obesity
The UK NSC policy on Obesity screening in children
More Information
Obesity is when a person has too much body fat for their age, height and sex. Obesity usually happens when you eat more calories than you burn off by physical activity. Body fat is usually calculated as the Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. There are special charts to show what the BMI should be in children of different ages.
Policy Position
Screening should not be offered. The Department of Health has set up a working group to consider monitoring this condition.
This policy was reviewed in Jul 2006 but no significant changes were made. It is due to be considered again in 2013/14, or earlier if significant new evidence emerges.
Evidence Supporting the Policy
An HTA review concluded that screening for obesity was not appropriate in primary school age on the basis of the evidence currently available (Fayter D, Nixon J, Hartley S, Rithalia A, Butler G, Rudolf M, et al. A systematic review of the routine monitoring of growth in children of primary school age to identifygrowth-related conditions. Health Technol Assess 2007;11(22)).
Stakeholders
Association for the Study of Obesity
British Obesity Surgery Patient Association
Institute of Child Health
Royal College of General Practitioners
Royal College of Surgeons
The stakeholder groups will be involved when the policy is next reviewed. If you think your organisation should be added, please contact us.
