Childhood obesity in the South West reaches epidemic proportions

Nearly a third of 10 and 11 year olds are deemed overweight. Credit: PA

Childhood obesity in the South West has reached epidemic proportions - with a fifth of children starting primary school now classed as obese.

That figure gets higher as children get older, with nearly a third of 10 and 11 year olds deemed overweight.

Many children like six-year-old Eden are using exercise to lose weight.

Her mother Chanelle Thaws from Hartcliffe in Bristol is encouraging her to be active and says a change in children's lifestyle has had a major impact on their weight.

Eden is using exercise to lose weight. Credit: ITV West Country

Eden has been attending a council-run group for overweight children since January, called Alive and Kicking, where the focus is on physical activity and food education.

Chanelle says the group has been a great help.

Chanelle says Eden now eats a much healthier, balanced diet. Credit: ITV West Country

In the first nine weeks of attending the class, Eden's BMI dropped from 25.9 to 25.2.

She is continuing to work towards the average BMI for her age which is between 13.5 and 17.