One in 25 10 to 11 year olds in 2016/17 were found to be severely obese, or over 22,000 children. In 2006/07, when records began, one in 32 Year 6 children were classified as severely obese.
Analysis of the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) between 2006 to 2007 and 2016 to 2017 has detailed trends in severe obesity for the first time.
The programme recorded the height and weight of over one million children in Reception and Year 6 for each year.
The new figures are published by Public Health England (PHE).
Findings of the analysis include:
As part of its work to reduce childhood obesity, PHE is working with the food industry to cut 20 per cent of sugar from everyday products by 2020, and 20 per cent of calories by 2024.
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