LEVELS of obesity among young children continue to vary dramatically across Gwent, new figures have shown.

The latest Child Measurement Programme annual report has shown 15.1 per cent of four and five-year-olds in Blaenau Gwent are classed as obese. Only Merthyr Tydfil has a higher rate of obesity, at 17.5 per cent, well above the Welsh national average of 12.4 per cent.

In comparison, Monmouthshire has the second-lowest rate in Wales at just eight per cent. Only the Vale of Glamorgan has a lower percentage of obese children, at 7.8 per cent.

Caerphilly is also above the Welsh national average at 13.6 per cent, but Torfaen and Newport are lower at 11.4 per cent and 10.8 per cent respectively.

The figures also showed 27.1 per cent of youngsters across Wales - more than one in four - are overweight or obese. This is much higher than the English average of 22.6 per cent.

Again, rates are slightly higher in Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly, but lower in Newport, Torfaen and Monmouthshire. These rates are roughly on par with previous years.

The report also draws a clear correlation between weight and levels of deprivation, with the number of children classed as overweight or obese in the more deprived areas of Wales far higher than in more well-off areas.

The programme’s consultant lead Linda Bailey said: “The number of children that are obese at the age of four to five years old has been going in the wrong direction over the past two years.

“In particular, over the last two years the level of obesity has shown a statistically significant increase.

"While it is too soon to see an overall trend, there is an increasing gap in obesity levels between the most and least disadvantaged areas in Wales.”

Natalie Field, consultant lead for the 10 Steps to a Healthy Weight programme at Public Health Wales, said the organisation is currently working with the the Welsh Government to develop a new strategy around tackling obesity, and expected to be able to present a draft version in July.

“We are concerned that parents and professionals may find it difficult to recognise when children are overweight as it is more commonplace than it once was," she said.

“Our research shows that parents are more likely to identify children who are a healthy weight as underweight.

“This may give them false reassurance that their overweight or obese child is okay. Our hope is through a variety of initiatives throughout the year we can go some way to change this perception.”

She added: “If we get it right during the early stages of a child’s life we can build healthier and more resilient future population.

“Tackling childhood obesity not only prevents adverse health consequences, but prevention is so much easier than treatment for the child. We know that every parent wants the best for their children, and we want to give them all the tools and support to do just that.”

For support with children's weight, speak to your GP.

For more information visit publichealthwales.org/10steps