A stark new report warns that Britain faces a childhood health crisis, with projections showing that nearly a quarter of children could be clinically obese within the next decade without immediate intervention.
A Nation at a Crossroads
The Youth Sport Trust has published its alarming Class of 2035 Report, created in partnership with research agency Savanta. Using artificial intelligence modelling and children's polling data, the study paints a concerning picture of a nation where inactivity is rising while wellbeing falls.
According to the report, urgent action must be taken to increase physical activity among young people. Failure to do so will leave this generation facing poorer health, reduced happiness and diminished life opportunities.
The Disturbing Projections
The report makes several startling predictions for what Britain could look like by 2035 if current trends continue unchecked:
Almost half (48%) of children will spend three hours or more daily on screens for entertainment, a significant increase from 34% in 2025.
More than a third (34%) will fail to achieve even 30 minutes of daily activity, falling well short of the UK Chief Medical Officers' recommendation of 60 active minutes.
Obesity rates are projected to soar, with over 180,000 children - representing 24% - classified as clinically obese.
Annual Type 2 diabetes diagnoses in children will double, reaching 500 new cases each year.
Schools will experience declining attendance, engagement and sense of belonging among the least active pupils.
The Economic and Social Cost
Supporting evidence from Sport England highlights the enormous value of physical activity. Their latest social value model estimates that active lifestyles provide £8 billion in direct net savings to the healthcare system through illness prevention.
They've also placed a wellbeing value of £14.1 billion on children and young people's participation in physical activity between ages 7 to 16, representing the monetary equivalent of changes to life satisfaction.
Ali Oliver MBE, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust, stated: "This report aims to paint a holistic picture and a stark warning about where we could end up without urgent action. By 2035, without action to increase physical activity levels, we will have delivered a generation with poorer health, lower happiness, lower attainment and as a result, lower life chances than generations prior."
Pathway to Change
The report's release coincides with the Chancellor preparing the Autumn Budget, highlighting the need for targeted investment in physical activity and PE. Strategic funding could reverse these alarming trends and secure better health outcomes and educational attainment for the next generation.
In response to the findings, the Youth Sport Trust has launched the Sport Changes Lives Commission, chaired by former Trustee Dr Paula Franklin. The commission brings together leading experts from healthcare, child development and public health who will review the evidence and publish recommendations in early 2026.
Mat Shaw, CEO of Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, emphasised: "Every child deserves the chance to move, play, and feel strong. We know that physical activity isn't just about fitness - it boosts confidence, emotional well-being, and even recovery."
Dr Radha Modgil, Youth Sport Trust Health & Wellbeing Champion, added: "My hope for the commission is that it will trigger action and outcomes that support every child to have the opportunity to have sport, play and physical activity as a constant friend and companion throughout their lives."
The combined efforts of the Class of 2035 Report and the Sport Changes Lives Commission aim to spotlight the urgent need to reimagine how schools, policy and communities support children's physical and mental wellbeing through PE, sport and play.
