The number of children living with obesity in the most deprived areas in England is more than twice as high as those living in the least deprived parts of the country, according to the latest data from NHS Digital.

The figures for 2021-22 revealed 13.6 per cent of obese reception-aged children live in the poorest areas compared with 6.2 per cent while 31.3 per cent of year six children were found in the most deprived areas compared with 13.5 per cent.

The number of children with severe obesity was more than three times and four times as high in the most deprived areas compared with the least deprived for reception-aged and year six children respectively.

Obesity levels were highest in the North East and West Midlands and lowest in the South East, South West and East of England.

The data also highlighted underweight prevalence among reception-aged and year six children was highest in London while a breakdown of obesity prevalence by ethnicity revealed the highest rates were among black children in reception and year six. It was lowest among Chinese children in both age groups.