Children grow faster during the school year

Experts have discovered that kids shoot up an extra half a millimetre per month, on average, between September and April, when lessons are in full swing.

Scientists have theorised that children eat better during term time and fear that summer holidays are detrimental to the health of schoolkids, as they also put on weight while growth is halted.

The study, which has been published in the journal Frontiers in Physiology, followed over 3,500 youngsters over the course of five years.

Researcher Dr Jennette Moreno said: “This study indicates seasonality in children’s height gain, gaining height faster during a school year, compared to the summer.”

Tam Fry, from the National Obesity Forum, thinks the current six-week summer holiday in the UK should be changed.

He said: “The current set-up is far from the best for our children’s health, with many putting on weight over the summer.”