NEARLY 300 Reception-age children in the conurbation were classified as obese last year, according to Public Health England figures.

In 2016/17, 162 of Bournemouth's Reception pupils and 112 of Poole's were declared obese, and by Year 6 there were 246 at the same unhealthy weight in Bournemouth and 209 in Poole.

The number of obese 10 and 11-year-olds in Year 6 has risen by 33 per cent over the past five years in Bournemouth and 17 per cent in Poole, to one in six of the total.

On average, 36 per cent of Bournemouth youngsters are unhealthily overweight when they start secondary school, and 31 per cent in Poole.

The figures, from the annual National Child Measurement Programme, show that around 15 per cent of Year 6 students in both towns are overweight, as opposed to obese.

Also, the data shows that 24 per cent of Year 6 children judged to be from deprived backgrounds are obese, compared with only 10 per cent of children of that age from more affluent backgrounds.

The government works out obesity using the 1990 British growth reference chart - a large collection of statistics which work out a child's body mass index (BMI).

It defines a child as obese if its BMI is in the top five per cent, and overweight if they are in the top 15 per cent.

Children's BMI is measured differently to adults, and is calculated using age and gender as well as height and weight.

The data shows that children often develop weight problems while at primary school.

Last August the government announced a new plan to tackle childhood obesity.

In April the sugar tax will come into effect, applying an extra levy on soft drinks with a sugar content of more than 5g per 100ml, such as Coke, Red Bull and Dr Pepper.

Public health minister Steve Brine said: "We are delivering the most ambitious childhood obesity plan in the world taxing sugary drinks, helping children to exercise more, funding more research and cutting sugar and calories in food before it hits shelves and plates."

Some have suggested such measures are patronising and illiberal, but lobby group the Obesity Health Alliance - made up of charities, unions and medical associations - wants more to be done including new restrictions on food advertising.

Alliance 'lead' Caroline Cerny said: "Children with obesity are five times more likely to become obese adults, putting them at risk of a number of devastating conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart and liver disease.

"We've seen a certain amount of progress from government, including the implementation of the soft drinks levy from April this year. But far more needs to be done."