Health bosses in Rutland say they are reviewing their strategy around child obesity
It comes as one-fifth of year 6 children in the county are classed as obese
Rutland county council say they are looking at introducing further measures to promote a healthier lifestyle for both adults and children.
One-fifth of children in their last year of primary school in Rutland are classed as obese.
Almost 30 percent of UK children in Year 6 are overweight
New public health data collected as part of the annual national child measurement programme has found that nearly a quarter of Year 6 children are obese compared to nearly 11 percent of reception children.
The data also showed that almost 30 percent of UK children in Year 6 are overweight and a quarter of children in their first year of primary school weigh more than is healthy for them.
The number of children who are classed as obese in Rutland is slightly above the national average as the national survey found 22% of Year 6 children were significantly overweight and 10% of reception children.
Latest public health data for the county says that 62 percent of adults in the county are obese.
There's many reasons why children's diets might not be healthy
Mike Sandys, director of public health at Rutland County Council, said:
"There's many reasons why diet maybe isn't healthy. There's time pressured parents, increases in processed foods and costs and expenses as well."
"Obesity is linked to a wide range of health conditions."
"What we are seeing increasingly with childhood obesity is some conditions like type 2 diabetes that a few years ago we would have seen one case nationally a year in children. But, you're beginning to see those a lot more nowadays."
More than 90% of Rutland children in reception and Year 6 took part in the measurement programme.
28\0 Rutland reception children took part and 350 Year 6 children.
The programme takes into account their height and weight and then works out their body fat ratio.
The issue is on the county council’s radar as earlier this summer the authority asked people to take part in a health and weight survey.
Cabinet member for health, Cllr Diane Ellison, said:
“Weight can be a key factor in maintaining a good quality of life throughout adulthood and into old age.
“Equally, excess weight can contribute to a wide range of illnesses and adverse health conditions.
“We want to work with partners to help all Rutland residents achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
“To do this, we need to create a more supportive environment and ensure that services are tackling the right issues.”