MORE than a quarter of all children under the age of 11 are now either overweight or obese, with boys showing a particularly alarming rise in body weight, according to a report by the National Centre for Social Research.

It suggests that Britain’s obesity epidemic shows no sign of abating, with inactive lifestyles and poor diets making an increasing number of children dangerously fat. Between 1990 and 2002, childhood obesity rates tripled from 5 per cent to 15.5 per cent. In 2003 they dropped to 13.7 per cent.

The report, published by the Department of Health, shows that 27.7 per cent of children aged 2 to 10 in England are overweight, up from 22.7 per cent in 1995. Almost 14 per cent are now categorised as obese, up from 9.9 per cent in 1995. But while a similar percentage of girls and boys were overweight in 1995, the new figures reveal that 30 per cent of boys are now fat, compared with 25.9 per cent of girls. Doctors last night called on the Government to direct more funding towards anti-obesity strategies.

Last year the Government published its Public Health White Paper outlining measures to combat obesity in adults and children. Measures included action on the advertising of unhealthy foods aimed at children and increasing sporting activity in schools.

The action comes after an obesity report by the Commons Select Committee on Health, which gave warning that by 2020 half of all children would be obese and many would probably die before their parents. It cautioned about a “doomsday scenario” where thousands lose limbs and sight from fat-related illnesses, including diabetes.

According to the data published yesterday, the biggest increase in obesity was seen among those aged 8 to 10, where prevalence increased from 11.2 per cent in 1995 to 16.5 per cent in 2003.

The researchers found regional variations in rates of obesity in figures for 2001 and 2002. The lowest levels were seen among youngsters in Yorkshire and the Humber (11.4 per cent) and the South East (13.4 per cent). The highest rates of obesity were seen in the North East (18.3 per cent) and London (18.2 per cent).

Obesity was more common in children living in inner cities than in other areas. The figures also indicated that children living in low-income households had higher rates of obesity.

The report noted that childhood obesity was of concern because “studies have shown that childhood and adolescent obesity can persist into adulthood when the health risks of obesity are more severe”. David Haslam, the chairman of the National Obesity Forum, said that the report was further evidence of the task facing ministers and health leaders.

“We live in a take-it-easy society which encourages us to eat and sit down at every opportunity. Changing lifestyles for good is a constant struggle — there is a lack of practical and consistent help because healthcare professionals within the NHS don’t have sufficient resources to treat obesity seriously. That has to change,” he said.

Elizabeth Dowler, an expert in nutrition at the University of Warwick, added: “Our culture is one that encourages children to eat fast food. Crisps are the norm. It is difficult for people without much money to pay for fresh produce.”

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