Childhood obesity increasing in the UK

Nearly one quarter of five-year-olds and a third of 11-year-olds are overweight or obese, the national child measurement programme has revealed.

In 2006/07, 80 per cent of children starting and finishing primary school took part in the scheme, which revealed that childhood obesity rates are worst in the North East, West Midlands and London.

According to a report from the NHS Information Centre, figures are likely to be underestimates, as the scheme is voluntary and the heaviest children may be more likely not to take part. It concluded that awareness of what is "normal weight" needed to improve.

Public health minister Dawn Primarolo said: "Whilst these figures come as no surprise, it is encouraging that 80 per cent of children in years one and six have been weighted and measured.

"Knowing how many children are overweight or obese and spotting trends is key to ensuring that families, communities, public services, industry and government take the right action in tackling obesity."

Of the 876,416 children who were measured across the country, 22.9 per cent of those in reception and 31.6 per cent of those in year six were overweight or obese. Boys were more likely to be obese than girls in both groups.

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