Urgent Action Needed as Children Face Rising Obesity Rates by 2035

The latest **Class of 2035 Report**, released by the **Youth Sport Trust**, warns that without immediate intervention, nearly a quarter of children could be classified as clinically obese by **2035**. The report emphasizes the critical need to enhance physical activity among young people to avert a decline in their health, happiness, and life opportunities.

The report, developed in collaboration with research agency **Savanta**, employs artificial intelligence modeling alongside insights from polling children to forecast the outcomes of current inactivity trends. It underscores a troubling scenario in which rising inactivity correlates with diminishing wellbeing. According to **Sport England**, active lifestyles yield significant benefits, including an estimated **£8 billion** in direct savings to the healthcare system through illness prevention.

The Future of the Class of 2035

Projected trends indicate alarming consequences if proactive measures are not taken. By **2035**, nearly **48%** of children are expected to spend three or more hours daily on screens for entertainment, a marked increase from **34%** in **2025**. Furthermore, more than **34%** of children could fail to engage in the recommended **30 minutes** of daily physical activity, falling short of the **UK Chief Medical Officers’** guidance of **60 active minutes**.

The report predicts a significant rise in obesity and mental health disorders, with over **180,000 children** (approximately **24%**) projected to be classified as clinically obese by **2035**. Additionally, annual diagnoses of Type 2 diabetes among children could double, reaching **500 new cases** each year. The implications extend to schools, where attendance and engagement among less active students are anticipated to decline.

The urgency of the findings coincides with the upcoming **Autumn Budget** presentation by the Chancellor. The report advocates for targeted investments in physical education and activity to combat the rising costs associated with children’s inactivity. Strategic funding is seen as essential for reversing these troubling trends, ultimately benefiting health outcomes, educational performance, and opportunities for future generations.

A Call for Comprehensive Action

Ali Oliver MBE, Chief Executive of the **Youth Sport Trust**, stressed the importance of addressing the compounded effects of declining health and wellbeing among children. “Every day we read worrying stories about the declining health and wellbeing of children and young people,” she stated. Oliver emphasized the necessity for children to engage in movement, play, and activity daily to ensure their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth.

The report advocates for a reimagined Physical Education Curriculum, enhanced enrichment opportunities for all children, and the establishment of a new **PE and School Sports Partnership Network**. Such initiatives are critical to fostering an environment where children can thrive physically and mentally.

In response to these pressing concerns, the **Youth Sport Trust** has initiated the **Sport Changes Lives Commission**, chaired by former Trustee **Dr. Paula Franklin**. This commission will convene experts in healthcare, child development, and public health to review the report’s findings and publish actionable recommendations by early **2026**.

Dr. Mat Shaw, CEO of **Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children**, highlighted the broader implications of physical activity. “Every child deserves the chance to move, play, and feel strong,” he said, emphasizing that physical activity significantly aids recovery and emotional wellbeing, particularly for children facing health challenges.

Dr. Radha Modgil, Youth Sport Trust Health & Wellbeing Champion, expressed hope that the commission would catalyze meaningful action to ensure all children have access to sport, play, and physical activity throughout their lives.

Together, the **Class of 2035 Report** and the **Sport Changes Lives Commission** aim to illuminate the urgent need for systemic changes in how communities, schools, and policymakers support children’s physical and mental wellbeing through engagement in sports and active play. The future of the Class of 2035 hinges on the choices made today.