Health Inequality in Children

The obesity inequality gap among Scottish schoolchildren is continuing to grow, new figures show.

Almost a quarter of children in Scotland are starting school at risk of being overweight or obese.

The problem is worsening for pupils in the poorest areas, while children in affluent areas are much less likely to experience problems with their weight.

According to the Body Mass Statistics of Primary One children in Scotland report, "substantial inequalities" in child unhealthy weight exist across the country.

Obesity in childhood is associated with a wide range of health problems such as risk factors for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, emotional distress and mental health difficulties.