Number of overweight Scots children stays constant

Annual figures show the proportion has been broadly static for more than a decade at about 21 per cent to 23 per cent, the NHS statistics show.

“There is continued concern over the levels of overweight and obesity among children in Scotland,” the health service said.

“Obesity during childhood is a health concern in itself but can also lead to physical and mental health problems in later life, such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, back pain, increased risk of certain cancers, low self-esteem and depression.”

There was a slight increase in the level of children classed as a healthy weight, up from 76.9 per cent to 77.5 per cent in a year.

The latest figures, from 2012-13, show that 21.3 per cent were “at risk” of being overweight or obese, down slightly from 21.9 per cent.