AN OBESE Newport five-year-old was taken into care, as it was revealed she weighed more than ten stone, it was revealed today.

The five-year-old girl, who weighed over 63kg- more than three times the normal amount for her age- was taken into care by social workers in August 2012.

The child was one of the heaviest five-year-old girls recorded in the UK. She weighed 10st 5lb — heavier than any five-year-old of either sex recorded in an English school since 2008.

Two months after care workers had intervened she had gained a further 5lbs, but her weight dropped below eight stone by September 2013, still more than double the amount a child of her age should weigh.

Girls of that age typically weigh about three stone, according to the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.

The case was revealed as a result of a freedom of information request made by The Sunday Times.

Paul Cockeram, Newport’s cabinet member for Social Care and Wellbeing couldn’t comment on the specifics of this case but said: “I think it’s a sign of the times. Children aren’t learning to cook – it’s all take-aways and chicken nuggets. Children today like to eat rubbish.”

A spokeswoman from Newport council said: "The wellbeing of children and young people is of paramount importance and at the heart of all the work that is done by our children's services department.

"A thorough and comprehensive assessment of each child and family that we work with is always undertaken. All factors will be considered in any decision that is taken. It would be inappropriate to comment further on this case in the best interests of the child."

Dr Mair Parry, officer for Wales at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said: “Childhood obesity is one of the biggest public health threats we face today. Last year saw a four-fold increase in the numbers of children and teens admitted to hospital in England and Wales with obesity related illnesses.

“There are some children who have conditions that mean it is easier to put weight on, as in this sad case. These children and their families need proper medical support and appropriate guidance.”

A report published by Public Health Wales in July, showed nearly 30 per cent of five-year-olds in Wales have an unhealthy body mass index, with 12.5 per cent of children classed as obese.