New analysis shows that nearly 4,800 under-18s have been referred to the clinics since they were set up in 2021. The new research from research from Sheffield Hallam University, Leeds Beckett University, University of Leeds and the University of Bristol also gave insight into the types of people the clinics are attended by.

The findings include:

• over 40% of patients live within the most deprived neighbourhoods 

• a high proportion of patients supported by Complications of Excess Weight (CEW) clinics have a neurodevelopmental disorder, such as autism (24%) or a learning disability (23%)

• a significant proportion of children and young people had major health complications such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (30%), obstructive sleep apnoea (21%), and hypertension (21%)

Among the conclusions researchers found were that these weight clinics are serving a typically underserved demographic, and that the data highlights the clinical need for weight management services at a young age.

To find out more about the support CEW clinics offer and the recent research, read the full article on the Sheffield Hallam University website.