Almost a quarter of UK GPs report seeing obese children aged four and under.

A survey of 540 UK family doctors by MDDUS found 23% had seen children aged zero to four with obesity and 80% said discussing weight with parents is challenging.

A recent survey by the medical defence organisation MDDUS of 540 UK family doctors finds that clinicians are encountering obesity in very young children and that many find conversations about weight difficult. The survey asked GPs about their experience managing childhood obesity and related clinical conversations. Dr John Holden of MDDUS described the findings as a concerning confirmation of rising childhood obesity that affects routine GP consultations. The survey results have been discussed alongside broader questions about health services and prevention. Key findings: - 23% of surveyed GPs said they had seen children aged zero to four in which obesity was a clinical concern. - 49% reported seeing obesity in children up to the age of seven. - 80% of GPs said they find it somewhat or very challenging to talk to parents of an obese child under 16 about weight and health. - MDDUS leadership described the results as a concerning confirmation of growing childhood obesity and noted the emotional sensitivity of such conversations. Summary: The survey indicates that many family doctors are encountering obesity in very young children and that clinicians often find discussions about weight emotionally difficult. Officials characterised the findings as a concerning confirmation of trends seen in practice. Undetermined at this time.