BRADFORD has the highest number of year six pupils estimated to be obese in West Yorkshire, new figures show.

Data published by NHS England shows more than a quarter of year six-age schoolchildren are estimated to be obese in the district.

Covering mainstream state-maintained schools, the research is based on findings from the Government’s National Child Measurement Programme for 2023/24.

The figures were drawn from the postcode address of each child, not their school’s postcode address.

In Bradford, a total of 26.1 per cent of all pupils aged 10 or 11 are estimated to be overweight. 

This figure is almost four per cent higher than the same set of figures for Leeds and 2.8 per cent more than Calderdale and Kirklees.

It is also 3.2 per cent above Wakefield in the league table.

Rose Dunlop, interim director of public health at Bradford Council, said work has been taking place through “classrooms to campaigns, to community groups and cycle lanes”.

She told the T&A: “While obesity is a growing public health concern globally, with various and complex factors contributing to the rising its rise, it is very encouraging to see that the number of year 6 pupils in Bradford District who are living with excess weight has continued to reduce for the third year running and is becoming closer to the national average.

"Alongside this however there are other emerging trends that we will need to take note of in this new data set and there is still much more work to do to bring those numbers down further.”

When asked further about what those “emerging trends” are, the Council said the number of year six pupils classed as severely obese has risen.

The Council said this showed potential for widening inequalities in those who have the resources to engage with healthier lifestyles and those who don’t.

Excess weight at reception age has also increased by 1.2 per cent, falling in line with the national average and the national trend.

Ms Dunlop added: “In Bradford, we recently launched our Good Food Strategy,  our system-wide approach to reducing food poverty, making the supply chain more sustainable, and improve access to healthy food.

"Our Physical Activity strategy ‘Every Movement Counts’ sets out how we are getting people in the district to be more active.

"Our Living Well initiative brings together a wide range of resources we have to support children and adults achieve the behaviours associated with a healthy weight, a balanced nutritious diet, being more active and good sleep.

“From classrooms to campaigns, to community groups and cycle lanes the aim of Living Well is to transform Bradford a place where it becomes easier for families to live healthier and more active lives. Residents can also access free home-based support to families and young people who would like personalised confidential support to manage their weight.”

Anyone looking for support and ways to improve their wellbeing can visit www.mylivingwell.co.uk