Number of overweight children in deprived areas has increased since 2001

ONE in five Primary 1 school pupils are at risk of obesity, according to latest figures.

Since 2001, the number of overweight children has increased in deprived areas and fallen in more affluent communities.

Experts say higher quality food, breastfeeding, exercise and better sleep are needed to redress the balance – especially among boys, who are at a higher risk than girls.

The survey was carried out by BY JAMES MONCUR j.moncur@dailyrecord.co.uk the NHS and covered 52,500 P1 children in the 2017-18 school year by measuring their body mass index.

It showed that 22.4 per cent were at risk of being overweight or obese, mostly in deprived neighbourhoods.

The report said there are “substantial inequalities in child unhealthy weight across Scotland.” Scottish Lib Dem health spokesman, Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “Fostering healthy habits at a young age has real long-term benefits for families and our health service.”

Professor Linda Bauld of Cancer Research UK said: “It’s welcome that the Scottish Government has committed to halving childhood obesity by 2030.

“It’s is a significant health problem and merits bold action.”

JUNK FOOD BUS BAN PLAN

FAST food adverts could be banned from the capital’s bus stops in a bid to tackle obesity.

Edinburgh City Council will discuss the move at a meeting tomorrow after it was proposed by Lib Dem councillor Kevin Lang.

Cllr Lang said: “Advertising has a major influence on the decisions we all make.”