EXCLUSIVE: Rise in the number of obese P1's in Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife
Forth News can exclusively reveal that the number of pupils who were classed as overweight when they started primary school has risen by over 20% in just six years.
Forth News can exclusively reveal that the number of P1 pupils who are classed as obese in Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife has risen by over 20% in just six years.
The research, gathered by Cancer Research UK, shows that in 2014, 2,182 children were obese. That's compared to 1,178 in 2008.
Across the country, 83,000 children have fallen into the same category in Scotland over the last decade.
The nation has one of the heaviest populations in Europe with two in three adults in Scotland overweight or obese.
Health campaigners fear that, unless action is taken, there will be crippling consequences for society and health services, with the cost of obesity to the NHS in Scotland already estimated at £600 million a year.
Cancer Research UK is now calling on the Scottish Government to take action to do more to tackle Scotland’s wider obesity challenges.