London has the worst record in England for children becoming obese during their primary school years, official figures reveal.

They show that 9.8 per cent of children aged four to five, in Reception Year, in the capital were obese in 2024/25.

Of London's 32 boroughs, however, Richmond has the lowest child obesity rate, according to the study which has the data for all local authorities.

At Reception level, Richmond has a percentage of 4.6 compared to Enfield which has the highest percentage of obese children in London at 12.2 per cent.

Richmond also has the lowest figures for children in Year 6 (12.1 per cent) compared to Southwark which has the highest percentage in the capital (29.7).

Meanwhile, next door Kingston has the second lowest figures in London with 6.6 per cent for children at Reception level and 14.6 per cent for children in Year 6.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting, MP for Iford North, told The Standard: "Obesity robs children of the best possible start in life, sets them up for a lifetime of health problems, and costs the NHS billions.

"Today's figures show the extent of the problem and the need to act now, which is exactly what we're doing, in schools, on sports pitches, and online, to make healthy choices the easy choices, support families, and turn the tide on childhood obesity."

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