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First Post
13-05-2025
- Health
- First Post
How the UK will track obese children using 'spy scales'
The UK's state-run National Health Service (NHS) is rolling out 'spy scales' to monitor severely obese children from afar and send motivational texts to help them lose weight. While some are calling it a 'game-changing tool', others criticise it for tracking children, likening it to a 'nanny state' read more The NHS will introduce 'smart scales' for obese children in the UK. Representational Image/Pixabay The United Kingdom (UK) has an obesity crisis, with one in seven children between the ages of two and 15 suffering from the condition. As the country tries to reduce the obesity rate, the state-run National Health Service (NHS) is introducing 'spy scales' to monitor the weight loss in children remotely. The plan is to roll out these scales at specialist weight management clinics across England. While some have appreciated the initiative, others have criticised it, likening it to the 'nanny state' intruding into people's lives. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What are these 'spy scales', and how will they work? We will explain. UK rolls out 'spy scales' The NHS is launching 'spy scales' or 'smart scales' that will monitor children at home, keep a track of their weight and get medics in touch if necessary. The digital scales are given to parents of severely obese children aged three to 18. They have 'hidden digits', which do not show the child's weight, as per an Independent report. Instead, these scales transmit weight data to a mobile app, used by clinicians and families. Parents receive graphs showing weight trends and their child's progress. They also get personalised feedback from medics, including messages of encouragement, reported Daily Express. For example, the texts can be a praise for 'continuing to make great progress' or advice for children who are struggling to lose weight. Parents and children can contact the doctors through the app, saving them a visit to the clinic. Children under 13 are suggested to get the app on their parents' mobile phones. As per Independent, an estimated 350 patients are using these spy scales. NHS England is now rolling out this technology to thousands more via 19 specialist clinics. A game-changer? The UK is facing a spike in childhood obesity. As per the latest NHS data, one in seven children aged between two and 15 is living with obesity. As many as 4,784 children aged 2-18 have received care at 32 specialist NHS clinics for child obesity since 2021, according to The Times newspaper. Another 150 children will use the smart scales tool and app when it is launched for four more clinics this summer, as per NHS England. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the UK, a child or young person who has a body mass index (BMI) above the 99.6 percentile, which is classified as severe obesity, and complications because of their excess weight is referred to Complications from Excess Weight (CEW) clinics. Simon Kenny, NHS England's national clinical director for children and young people, said the 'cutting-edge technology' would help in behavioural changes in thousands of youths. 'This game-changing tool is helping our specialists support and keep track of children's weight-loss progress without them needing to leave home, while offering regular advice to them and their parents to help build healthy habits,' he was quoted as saying by Independent. 'Living with excess weight can cause problems affecting every organ system and long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes, stroke, early joint replacements and mental health difficulties. 'We also know that children living with health problems have poorer school attendance, which can affect their future employment and life opportunities – and the NHS won't just sit by and let children and young people become ill adults.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Professor Kenny said that early intervention can help in preventing excess weight gain and the long-term obesity-related health complications. Obesity rates in children have increased in the UK. AI-generated image As per The Times, Tam Fry, from the National Obesity Forum, said that keeping children under 'close surveillance' might be an effective step to tackle obesity. He said: 'I think there is a worry that some people will think this is nanny state or Big Brother, but I think actually people are so confused about weight and BMI, especially when it comes to children, that I think this might be a better way to go.' Katharine Jenner, director of the Obesity Health Alliance, said, according to Daily Express, that children living with obesity needed compassionate support. 'Nudging families towards healthier lifestyle changes is important, but the most powerful levers lie beyond the home; in government departments with the tools to put children's health above corporate profits,' she added. Or a nanny state? Critics have said it is 'insane' to track children remotely and not let them be aware of their true weight. Christopher Snowdon, head of lifestyle economics at the Institute of Economic Affairs, said: 'Handing out spy scales without the numbers on them seems insane. The whole thing sounds like a patronising waste of money — sending people banal advice to eat less, as if they don't know that already.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The UK's step comes as a new analysis, recently presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, Spain, showed that young children affected by obesity were also suffering from related complications – 30 per cent had liver disease and 21 per cent had high blood pressure. A separate study presented at the conference showed that the rates of overweight or obesity in teenagers have seen an uptick from 22 per cent to 33 per cent over 15 years, with ultra-processed foods and sedentary lifestyles to blame. With inputs from agencies
North Wales Chronicle
13-05-2025
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
Smart scales and special clinics to help thousands of obese children lose weight
The digital device, hailed by health chiefs as a 'game-changing tool,' is being rolled out at specialist NHS clinics where staff can monitor and provide ongoing weight loss help to patients and their families. About 350 patients are already using the smart scales, which have 'hidden digits' that connect to a mobile app. It visually shows the 'direction of their weight management' without displaying specific numbers, a spokesman said. The data is automatically transferred to the patient's clinical team, who can keep in touch with the family through the app to send regular personalised feedback. This would be done in line with any behavioural changes that may be needed. The aim is to deliver expert care at home and cut down on the need for frequent hospital visits, for a range of potential issues such as stroke and mental health problems. The pilot scheme is being rolled out at 15 Complications from Excess Weight (CEW) clinics. So far 4,784 children and young people, aged from two to 18, living with severe obesity in England, have received care for complications or conditions linked to excess weight from 32 specialist NHS clinics, since 2021. Another 150 children are in line to use the new smart scales tool and app when it is rolled out to four more clinics this summer, according to NHS England. Professor Simon Kenny, NHS England's national clinical director for children and young people, said: 'This game-changing tool is helping our specialists support and keep track of children's weight-loss progress without them needing to leave home, while offering regular advice to them and their parents to help build healthy habits. 'Living with excess weight can cause problems affecting every organ system and long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes, stroke, early joint replacements and mental health difficulties. 'We also know that children living with health problems have poorer school attendance, which can affect their future employment and life opportunities – and the NHS won't just sit by and let children and young people become ill adults.' Early intervention can help limit excess weight gain and prevent the long-term health complications linked to obesity, according to Prof Kenny. He said the specialist clinics have 'already transformed the lives of thousands of children and young people – supporting them to lose weight, live heathier lives and improve their mental health'. A 16-year-old schoolgirl, named only as Kirsty, described going to Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust CEW clinic two years ago as 'the best decision I ever made', even though she was 'really nervous' at first about attending. Kirsty was severely bullied about her weight and height at school, which led her to struggle with her mental health and gain more weight. She said: 'Talking about my mental health helped me a lot. The team also taught me a lot about food groups, portion sizes and lots of other things. 'Now I am the best I have ever felt, I am the lowest weight I have ever been and still losing weight. I am getting a lot of help with my mental health and also still getting a lot of other support.' CEW clinic patients can face a range of complex conditions and challenges, according to an analysis of thousands of patients' demographic and obesity-linked health data presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, Spain. A high proportion have a neurodevelopmental disorder, including 24% who had autism or 23% with a learning disability. Major health complications such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease was recorded in 30% of patients, 21% had obstructive sleep apnoea and 21% also suffered from hypertension. More than 40% of patients also lived within the most deprived neighbourhoods, according to the researchers from Leeds Beckett University, Sheffield Hallam University, Leeds University and the University of Bristol. Young people could be referred to a CEW clinic if they have a body mass index (BMI) above the 99.6 percentile, which is considered severe obesity, especially in children and young people, and a complication because of their excess weight. Specialist NHS doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers and dietitians are at hand to assess their complications, provide tailored help with diet and lifestyle changes, and give mental health support and coaching.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Obese children to be given numberless scales in NHS weight-loss scheme
The NHS is rolling out "smart scales" at specialist weight management clinics across England, aiming to support thousands of severely overweight children in adopting healthier lifestyles. These digital scales, described by health officials as a potential "game-changing tool," transmit weight data to a mobile app, allowing healthcare professionals to monitor patients' progress and provide ongoing support to them and their families. Approximately 350 patients are already utilizing the technology. It visually shows the 'direction of their weight management' without displaying specific numbers, a spokesman said. The data is automatically transferred to the patient's clinical team, who can keep in touch with the family through the app to send regular personalised feedback. This would be done in line with any behavioural changes that may be needed. The aim is to deliver expert care at home and cut down on the need for frequent hospital visits, for a range of potential issues such as stroke and mental health problems. The pilot scheme is being rolled out at 15 Complications from Excess Weight (CEW) clinics. So far 4,784 children and young people, aged from two to 18, living with severe obesity in England, have received care for complications or conditions linked to excess weight from 32 specialist NHS clinics, since 2021. Another 150 children are in line to use the new smart scales tool and app when it is rolled out to four more clinics this summer, according to NHS England. Professor Simon Kenny, NHS England's national clinical director for children and young people, said: 'This game-changing tool is helping our specialists support and keep track of children's weight-loss progress without them needing to leave home, while offering regular advice to them and their parents to help build healthy habits. 'Living with excess weight can cause problems affecting every organ system and long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes, stroke, early joint replacements and mental health difficulties. 'We also know that children living with health problems have poorer school attendance, which can affect their future employment and life opportunities – and the NHS won't just sit by and let children and young people become ill adults.' Early intervention can help limit excess weight gain and prevent the long-term health complications linked to obesity, according to Prof Kenny. He said the specialist clinics have 'already transformed the lives of thousands of children and young people – supporting them to lose weight, live heathier lives and improve their mental health'. A 16-year-old schoolgirl, named only as Kirsty, described going to Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust CEW clinic two years ago as 'the best decision I ever made', even though she was 'really nervous' at first about attending. Kirsty was severely bullied about her weight and height at school, which led her to struggle with her mental health and gain more weight. She said: 'Talking about my mental health helped me a lot. The team also taught me a lot about food groups, portion sizes and lots of other things. 'Now I am the best I have ever felt, I am the lowest weight I have ever been and still losing weight. I am getting a lot of help with my mental health and also still getting a lot of other support.' CEW clinic patients can face a range of complex conditions and challenges, according to an analysis of thousands of patients' demographic and obesity-linked health data presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, Spain. A high proportion have a neurodevelopmental disorder, including 24% who had autism or 23% with a learning disability. Major health complications such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease was recorded in 30% of patients, 21% had obstructive sleep apnoea and 21% also suffered from hypertension. More than 40% of patients also lived within the most deprived neighbourhoods, according to the researchers from Leeds Beckett University, Sheffield Hallam University, Leeds University and the University of Bristol. Young people could be referred to a CEW clinic if they have a body mass index (BMI) above the 99.6 percentile, which is considered severe obesity, especially in children and young people, and a complication because of their excess weight. Specialist NHS doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers and dietitians are at hand to assess their complications, provide tailored help with diet and lifestyle changes, and give mental health support and coaching.
South Wales Argus
13-05-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Smart scales and special clinics to help thousands of obese children lose weight
The digital device, hailed by health chiefs as a 'game-changing tool,' is being rolled out at specialist NHS clinics where staff can monitor and provide ongoing weight loss help to patients and their families. About 350 patients are already using the smart scales, which have 'hidden digits' that connect to a mobile app. It visually shows the 'direction of their weight management' without displaying specific numbers, a spokesman said. The data is automatically transferred to the patient's clinical team, who can keep in touch with the family through the app to send regular personalised feedback. This would be done in line with any behavioural changes that may be needed. The aim is to deliver expert care at home and cut down on the need for frequent hospital visits, for a range of potential issues such as stroke and mental health problems. The pilot scheme is being rolled out at 15 Complications from Excess Weight (CEW) clinics. So far 4,784 children and young people, aged from two to 18, living with severe obesity in England, have received care for complications or conditions linked to excess weight from 32 specialist NHS clinics, since 2021. Another 150 children are in line to use the new smart scales tool and app when it is rolled out to four more clinics this summer, according to NHS England. Professor Simon Kenny, NHS England's national clinical director for children and young people, said: 'This game-changing tool is helping our specialists support and keep track of children's weight-loss progress without them needing to leave home, while offering regular advice to them and their parents to help build healthy habits. 'Living with excess weight can cause problems affecting every organ system and long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes, stroke, early joint replacements and mental health difficulties. 'We also know that children living with health problems have poorer school attendance, which can affect their future employment and life opportunities – and the NHS won't just sit by and let children and young people become ill adults.' Early intervention can help limit excess weight gain and prevent the long-term health complications linked to obesity, according to Prof Kenny. He said the specialist clinics have 'already transformed the lives of thousands of children and young people – supporting them to lose weight, live heathier lives and improve their mental health'. A 16-year-old schoolgirl, named only as Kirsty, described going to Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust CEW clinic two years ago as 'the best decision I ever made', even though she was 'really nervous' at first about attending. Kirsty was severely bullied about her weight and height at school, which led her to struggle with her mental health and gain more weight. She said: 'Talking about my mental health helped me a lot. The team also taught me a lot about food groups, portion sizes and lots of other things. 'Now I am the best I have ever felt, I am the lowest weight I have ever been and still losing weight. I am getting a lot of help with my mental health and also still getting a lot of other support.' CEW clinic patients can face a range of complex conditions and challenges, according to an analysis of thousands of patients' demographic and obesity-linked health data presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, Spain. A high proportion have a neurodevelopmental disorder, including 24% who had autism or 23% with a learning disability. Major health complications such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease was recorded in 30% of patients, 21% had obstructive sleep apnoea and 21% also suffered from hypertension. More than 40% of patients also lived within the most deprived neighbourhoods, according to the researchers from Leeds Beckett University, Sheffield Hallam University, Leeds University and the University of Bristol. Young people could be referred to a CEW clinic if they have a body mass index (BMI) above the 99.6 percentile, which is considered severe obesity, especially in children and young people, and a complication because of their excess weight. Specialist NHS doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers and dietitians are at hand to assess their complications, provide tailored help with diet and lifestyle changes, and give mental health support and coaching.
Western Telegraph
13-05-2025
- Health
- Western Telegraph
Smart scales and special clinics to help thousands of obese children lose weight
The digital device, hailed by health chiefs as a 'game-changing tool,' is being rolled out at specialist NHS clinics where staff can monitor and provide ongoing weight loss help to patients and their families. About 350 patients are already using the smart scales, which have 'hidden digits' that connect to a mobile app. It visually shows the 'direction of their weight management' without displaying specific numbers, a spokesman said. The data is automatically transferred to the patient's clinical team, who can keep in touch with the family through the app to send regular personalised feedback. This would be done in line with any behavioural changes that may be needed. The aim is to deliver expert care at home and cut down on the need for frequent hospital visits, for a range of potential issues such as stroke and mental health problems. The pilot scheme is being rolled out at 15 Complications from Excess Weight (CEW) clinics. So far 4,784 children and young people, aged from two to 18, living with severe obesity in England, have received care for complications or conditions linked to excess weight from 32 specialist NHS clinics, since 2021. Another 150 children are in line to use the new smart scales tool and app when it is rolled out to four more clinics this summer, according to NHS England. Professor Simon Kenny, NHS England's national clinical director for children and young people, said: 'This game-changing tool is helping our specialists support and keep track of children's weight-loss progress without them needing to leave home, while offering regular advice to them and their parents to help build healthy habits. 'Living with excess weight can cause problems affecting every organ system and long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes, stroke, early joint replacements and mental health difficulties. 'We also know that children living with health problems have poorer school attendance, which can affect their future employment and life opportunities – and the NHS won't just sit by and let children and young people become ill adults.' Early intervention can help limit excess weight gain and prevent the long-term health complications linked to obesity, according to Prof Kenny. He said the specialist clinics have 'already transformed the lives of thousands of children and young people – supporting them to lose weight, live heathier lives and improve their mental health'. A 16-year-old schoolgirl, named only as Kirsty, described going to Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust CEW clinic two years ago as 'the best decision I ever made', even though she was 'really nervous' at first about attending. Kirsty was severely bullied about her weight and height at school, which led her to struggle with her mental health and gain more weight. She said: 'Talking about my mental health helped me a lot. The team also taught me a lot about food groups, portion sizes and lots of other things. 'Now I am the best I have ever felt, I am the lowest weight I have ever been and still losing weight. I am getting a lot of help with my mental health and also still getting a lot of other support.' CEW clinic patients can face a range of complex conditions and challenges, according to an analysis of thousands of patients' demographic and obesity-linked health data presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, Spain. A high proportion have a neurodevelopmental disorder, including 24% who had autism or 23% with a learning disability. Major health complications such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease was recorded in 30% of patients, 21% had obstructive sleep apnoea and 21% also suffered from hypertension. More than 40% of patients also lived within the most deprived neighbourhoods, according to the researchers from Leeds Beckett University, Sheffield Hallam University, Leeds University and the University of Bristol. Young people could be referred to a CEW clinic if they have a body mass index (BMI) above the 99.6 percentile, which is considered severe obesity, especially in children and young people, and a complication because of their excess weight. Specialist NHS doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers and dietitians are at hand to assess their complications, provide tailored help with diet and lifestyle changes, and give mental health support and coaching.
