UPDATED 4th July 2025.

Groundbreaking research from Oxford University has revealed that Leeds is leading the way in reducing childhood obesity, bucking the national trend. While obesity rates in 5-year-olds across England have remained largely unchanged, Leeds has achieved a significant decline, especially among the city’s most disadvantaged children and HENRY has played a vital role in this progress.

This success is particularly encouraging given that an obese 5-year-old has only a 1 in 20 chance of returning to a healthy weight by the age of 11. The Leeds results demonstrate the power of early intervention, community-focused programmes and collaborative working.

A Citywide Strategy with HENRY at its Heart

In 2008, Leeds adopted a citywide childhood obesity strategy with HENRY’s family and practitioner programmes at its core. Through a strong partnership with Leeds City Council, HENRY delivered evidence-based programmes in Children’s Centres across the city, focusing support where it was needed most.

Kim Roberts, HENRY CEO, explains:

 “HENRY supports families with young children to adopt and maintain healthier lifestyles. Practitioners working with young families were trained to help parents give their children a healthy start in life. Our programmes were delivered in community settings, making support accessible to all.”

Dr Ian Cameron, Director of Public Health at Leeds City Council, added:

 “This research is great evidence to use as we play our part in helping children and adults live longer, healthier lives. With national data showing one in ten children are obese by the time they start school, we’re delighted to be making positive progress in Leeds.”

Real Results for Children and Families

The research, published in Pediatric Obesity, analysed data from the National Child Measurement Programme between 2009 and 2017. The findings were striking:

• Overall obesity rates in Reception-aged children in Leeds fell from 9.4% to 8.8%
• In contrast, levels in similar cities remained unchanged (9.8% to 9.8%)
• Among the most deprived children, obesity fell from 11.5% to 10.5%
• The progress equates to over 600 fewer children living with obesity in a single school year

These improvements are strongly linked to targeted interventions delivered in local communities and especially to HENRY’s work supporting families to make sustainable lifestyle changes.

Changing Lives, One Family at a Time

One parent who joined the HENRY programme in Leeds shared:

“I was thinking twice about getting involved, but I’m really pleased I did. HENRY encouraged me to be more positive and realistic about my daughter’s diet. I’ve learned to set boundaries and stopped using food as a treat. At snack time, I offer two healthy options instead of asking what she wants. We’re now getting on much better and eating more healthily, me included!”

The Ongoing Journey

Leeds is now recognised as a national leader in reducing childhood obesity. The city’s success highlights how a coordinated approach - grounded in evidence-based practice and delivered through trusted community settings - can have a lasting impact.

At HENRY, we are proud to have been part of this transformation. As we continue our work across the UK, we remain deeply committed to supporting families to give their children the healthiest possible start in life.

Further Reading and References

Explore the full story and wider context behind Leeds' progress in reducing childhood obesity, and how HENRY contributed to this success:

• Leeds becomes first UK city to lower its childhood obesity rate – University of Oxford
• Original research paper – Pediatric Obesity (Wiley Online Library)
• How Leeds lowered child obesity – The Guardian opinion piece by Kim Roberts, HENRY CEO
• Parliamentary written evidence submitted by HENRY (PDF)
• New Child Healthy Weight Plan launched in Leeds – Leeds City Council
• Presentation on Leeds’ whole-system approach by Janice Burberry (PDF)
• Childhood obesity in Leeds – a success story shared - LGComms

Leeds is proof that positive change is possible, especially when families are supported early and effectively. HENRY’s impact continues to grow, helping to create a healthier, happier future for children across the country.

Want to get involved or find out more?

If you’d like to learn more about our programmes and services, explore partnership opportunities, or support our work to give more children a healthier start in life, we’d love to hear from you.

Visit our contact page to get in touch with the team.