A major dataset has revealed that thousands of children are now being treated for obesity by the NHS, with some as young as four.
New statistics disclosed by the NHS paint a stark image of the nation’s obesity crisis after revealing some four-year-olds weigh as much as 5st 3lb - more than a typical 10-year-old.
The preschoolers are the nation's youngest patients being treated for obesity at clinics alongside a further 1,088 patients aged between five and eight.
In addition, more than 400 children and teenagers have now been prescribed weight loss injections, with the youngest around 11 years of age.
Children as young as 11 are being prescribed weight loss jabs
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The findings will be presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul on Tuesday, alongside research on 406 prescribed weight loss habits on the NHS.
Professor at the National Clinical Director for Children and Young People at NHS England, said: "Severe obesity can impact all aspects of a child’s life - affecting their physical health, mental wellbeing and confidence.
"In some cases, these clinics are helping children who could otherwise face a life cut tragically short - dying decades too soon to look ahead to a full and healthy life.
"Childhood obesity remains one of the biggest public health challenges facing the country, and the NHS is committed to stepping in early to help prevent serious long-term health complications."
Katharine Jenner, from the Obesity Health Alliance, said: "These figures should be a wake-up call.
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"All parents want their children to grow up healthy, yet seeing children as young as four needing specialist NHS treatment for their weight highlights just how early the drivers of poor health are taking hold.
“Children today are growing up surrounded by unhealthy food at almost every turn - online, on the high street, at home and beyond - leaving families struggling against a system that stacks the odds against healthier options.
"The fact that some children are already developing high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes,m and early signs of heart disease at such a young age, underlines why prevention has to begin in the earliest years of life."
The alarming figures put pressure on the government to implement tighter restrictions on the marketing of junk foods and boost healthy food sales.
The NHS has been opening clinics specialising in the Complications from Excess Weight (CEW) for the past five years.
Today, there are 39 clinics, staffed by NHS doctors, nurses and psychologists.
Children treated at the medical centres are sometimes prescribed medication in addition to receiving dietary and behavioural support.
Findings show that among those receiving treatment, more than a quarter suffer from autism, while others have anxiety and attention learning disabilities.
'Severe obesity can impact all aspects of a child’s life'
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Associate Professor in obesity and public health at Sheffield Hallam University, Dr Cath Homer, said: "Living with severe obesity during childhood and adolescence carries the risk that it will persist into adulthood.
"Our research suggests that CEW services are an effective way to support patients for better health and weight management."
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