Experts lament ‘appalling decline’ in health of under-fives in UK

Academy for Medical Sciences report highlights rising infant mortality, obesity and tooth decay

Children are being betrayed" as the UK fails to give them a healthy start to life, academics have said.

Experts said there had been an appalling decline" in the health of children under the age of five in the UK - with soaring rates of obesity and tooth decay.

More than a fifth of children aged five are overweight or obese.

Nearly a quarter of five-year-olds in England are affected by tooth decay.

Between 2014 and 2017 there was a rise in infant mortality in England - disproportionately affecting the poorest parts of the country. The UK ranks 30th out of 49 OECD countries for infant mortality.

A decrease in the proportion of children having vaccinations.

A rise in demand for children's mental health services.