CHILDREN from Scotland’s poorest families are almost twice as likely to be obese by the time they start school than affluent pupils, according to the latest figures.

Research showed 13% of P1 children from the most deprived communities were an unhealthy weight, compared with 7% in the most affluent areas.

An NHS Health Scotland report found the obesity risk for children is widening, largely due to an increasing risk for those in the most-deprived communities.

Several areas of Glasgow are consistently listed in Scotland’s ‘most deprived’ index including; Parkhead, Barlanark, Easterhouse, Govan and Wyndford.

The study found that the proportion of overweight women in Scotland has almost doubled in twenty years – from 31% in 1995 to to 60% in 2015 – while the level of overweight men jumped by 26% in the same period to 66%. For women, obesity becomes progressively more common as the deprivation level increases.

Analysis of the most recent figures, from 2015, show 28% of men and 29% of women aged 18-64 in Scotland are obese.

A spokesman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: “The nature of the challenge within the NHSGGC population is that over half of adults are overweight and/or obese.

“We are working to address prevention and protection strategies as well as the management of weight gain from pre-pregnancy through to adulthood.”

Gregor McNie, Cancer Research UK’s senior public affairs manager in Scotland, said the findings reinforced calls for the government to restrict promotions on junk food.

He said: “Cancer Research UK is clear that action to restrict multi-buy promotions on junk food is one of the most effective measures available, taking a big step to make healthier choices the norm.”