CHILDREN from the poorest families are almost twice as likely to be obese by the time they start school than affluent pupils, according to the latest figures.

Research showed 13 per cent of P1 children from the most deprived communities were an unhealthy weight, compared with seven per cent in the most affluent areas.

An NHS Health Scotland report found the obesity risk for children is widening, largely due to an increasing risk for those in the most-deprived communities, our sister title the Evening Times reports.

A spokesman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: “The nature of the challenge within the NHSGGC population is that over half of adults are overweight and/or obese.

“We are working to address prevention and protection strategies as well as the management of weight gain from pre-pregnancy through to adulthood.”