MORE children are leaving school overweight ­— but the numbers classed as severely obese has fallen.

Over four per cent of children leaving primary school were found to be severely obese and overall more than an third of children in Bolton aged 10/11 are classed as at least overweight.

Figures released by NHS Digital show that 4.4 per cent of children are in the highest weight category compared to 4.2 per cent nationally and 15.4 per cent were classed as overweight, compared to the national average of 14.2 per cent.

However, Bolton's figures for severely obese children was lower than those recorded in neighbouring authorities. In Bury 5.7 per cent of youngsters were classed as severely obese ­— which is 28th highest in the country. In Salford that figure stood at 5.9 per cent, while in Wigan 4. 6 per cent of children were said to be severely obese.

The figures were compiled through the Child Measurement Programme in which children in Year Six are measured.

Although numbers were up in the overweight category from 14.3 in 2016/17, Bolton recorded a slight drop in obese and severely obese children. In 2016/17 4.63 per cent of children were described as being severely obese and 21.4 per cent were said to be obese or severely obese compared to 20.8 per cent in 2017/2018.

But a total of 36.1 per cent of children are leaving primary school overweight, which includes the obese category too.

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: “Childhood obesity is a national problem and continues to represent a significant challenge at a time when public health budgets are being squeezed.

“Despite this, we are pleased to note an improvement compared to last year which reflects the positive steps we have taken on this issue.

“Childhood obesity often persists into adulthood and can lead to multiple complex health issues which put even more pressure on public services.

“We work closely with the NHS, the voluntary sector and other partners to raise awareness of the health risks of obesity.

“This starts at an early age and we work with parents to promote healthy eating and more active lifestyles.

“All of Bolton’s schools provide nutritionally balanced meals as part of achieving Healthy Schools status.”

Nationally levels of severe obesity among Year Six children have hit a record high.

The prevalence of severe obesity among increased by more than a third, from 3.2 per cent when the data was first collected in 2006/07.

Brent in North West London had the highest prevalence of severe obesity amongst children, standing at 7.8 per cent.