Children in the UK are getting taller due to obesity, study shows

The average height of children in the UK has been increasing over the last two decades, with growth accelerating sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was reported by Reuters. According to scientists, however, the reason is not an improvement in children’s health, but rather rising obesity among children, particularly in poorer areas.

Research by scientists from the University of Oxford and University College London, published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, shows that the trend is closely linked to rising levels of overweight and deepening social inequalities.

The study finds that the average height of 11-year-old boys in England increased from 145 cm in the 2009/2010 academic year to 145.7 cm in 2019/2020.

During the pandemic, the increase became even sharper—reaching 146.5 cm in 2020/2021, before slightly dropping to 146.4 cm in 2023/2024.

A similar trend is observed among girls. The average height of 11-year-old girls increased from 145.8 cm in 2009/2010 to 146.6 cm in 2019/2020, reaching 148 cm during the pandemic and 147.5 cm in 2023/2024.

The increase is particularly pronounced among children from the poorest areas.

For example, the average height of 11-year-old boys in the most disadvantaged parts of England grew by 1.7 cm between 2009/2010 and 2023/2024.

During the same period, the proportion of children who are overweight or obese increased from 37.7% to 43.3%.

Researchers note that “deprivation”—a term used in the analysis—encompasses factors such as income, education, employment, health, crime, and housing conditions.

“Children in poorer areas are exposed to more unhealthy food outlets and have more limited access to healthy food,” explains study author Andrew Moscrop.

Height inequalities are decreasing

The study also shows a narrowing of height differences between poor and wealthy areas.

Among boys, children from wealthier neighborhoods are still taller on average, but the gap is gradually closing.

Among girls, the change is even more pronounced. During the pandemic, the gap virtually disappeared and briefly even reversed—girls from the poorest areas became taller on average than those in the wealthiest areas.

Childhood obesity is rising across Europe

World Health Organization data shows that obesity among children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 is increasing across Europe.

In the WHO European Region—which includes about 50 countries—the prevalence of obesity rose from 3.8% in 1990 to 8% in 2022.

In the UK, the increase was even sharper—from 4.5% to 11.3% over the same period.

In 2022, this was the highest level among the five largest economies in Europe:

• United Kingdom – 11.3%;
• Spain – 10.5%;
• Italy – 9.6%;
• Germany – 8.5%;
• France – 4.1%.

Among approximately 40 European countries included in the WHO data, the highest levels of childhood obesity were reported in:

• Hungary – 14.8%;
• Cyprus – 14.1%;
• Finland – 12.7%.

Researchers warn that the trend is alarming, as early-onset obesity increases the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic problems later in life.