THE number of 10 and 11-year-olds across the Bradford district classed as being overweight has fallen over the past year, although the figure remains the highest in West Yorkshire, a new survey has revealed.

More than a third of Year Six children, 35.7 per cent, were measured as overweight or obese during the 2014/15 school year, down from 36.4 per cent in 2013/14.

The figure is the highest in the county, above the regional prevalence rate for Yorkshire and the Humber, 33.3 per cent, and higher than the national rate of 33.2 per cent.

But, according to the results of the National Child Measurement Programme, published by the Health and Social Care Information Centre, the district also had the lowest rate of overweight or obese children at reception age across the county at 19.7 per cent, down from 21.6 per cent last year.

Between the ages of five and 12 however, the prevalence rate has risen by 16 per cent - higher than the 14.8 per cent increase last year - which is well above the regional and national increases of 11.8 per cent and 11.3 per cent respectively.

Ralph Saunders, head of public health for Bradford Council, said: "Although it is positive this year’s figures for the Bradford district are improving, there is much more work to be done to ensure our children live a better and healthier life.

"While the total number of children who are overweight or obese in Year Six has fallen, there are more children in this category than were measured when that age group was in reception.

"That’s why it is everyone’s responsibility to make sure our children get move more and eat a healthy diet.

"Small changes can make a big difference, whether it’s walking to school, eating a healthy breakfast, or cutting out sugary food and drinks.

"Tackling childhood obesity is a long-term strategy for the district, and we are working hard, in partnership with other organisations, to provide a great start for our children’s health and wellbeing.

"The Council is playing its part by delivering services like cook and eat sessions, weight management services, and work with the Active Bradford partnership to be more active."

Across the country, the percentage of children classified as overweight or obese at reception age, 21.9 per cent, was the lowest figure since the data was first collected in 2006/7.

The figures were based on Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements, and nationally, obesity among children was more prevalent among those living in areas classed as the most deprived in England, with the highest rates, up to 40.1 per cent in Year 6 children, classified as areas of 'multicultural city life'.

Boys in both year groups were also found to be more likely to be overweight or obese.

In reception, the rate was 22.6 per cent for boys and 21.1 per cent of girls, while in Year Six, the rate was 34.9 per cent for boys and 31.5 per cent for girls.