More than one-fifth of children starting primary school in Scotland are at risk of being obese or overweight, according to new figures.

Obesity or being overweight among four- and five-year-olds has not improved over the last decade in Scotland, as 22.1 per cent of children had an unhealthy body mass index in the 2015/16 school year compared to 22.3 per cent in 2006/7.

Figures released by NHS information services agency, ISD Scotland, also found that children from less deprived areas were more likely to be of a healthy weight. In least deprived areas 81 per cent of children were classified as a healthy weight compared to 73 per cent in the most deprived areas.

The 34-page report said: “There is continued concern over the levels of overweight and obesity among children in Scotland. 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.”

In November, an international study of physical activity among children found Scotland joint bottom of a 38-country list.

Scottish Liberal Democrat Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP – Scottish Parliament health and sport committee member – said “ministers must step up their efforts to promote physical activity and healthy eating”.

Lorraine Tulloch, Obesity Action Scotland programme lead, added: “Unfortunately the data published indicates that there has been no improvement in the rates of obesity and overweight in children entering primary school in Scotland. It is all too easy to become complacent about this repetitive message on obesity but we all need to understand that childhood obesity is a ticking timebomb of health problems.

“This situation can no longer continue.”

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