OBESITY among four and five-year-olds in York is a “serious cause for concern” according to doctors.

Recent figures from Public Health England show that just over 8 per cent of children in reception are now classed as obese, up from 6.5 per cent in 2011.

And in Acomb the figure has more than doubled, from 5.7 per cent obese in 2011 to 12 per cent in 2017.

Dr Rajeev Gupta, BMA Yorkshire regional council chair, said the government must do more to educate young people and parents about healthy diet and exercise.

He said: “The increasing rates of childhood obesity in York, and indeed throughout the rest of the country, is a serious cause for concern for both the child’s quality of life now and the serious impact it could have on their future health.”

Labour Cllr Stuart Barnes, of Acomb Ward, said the council must open up more green space in the area so families can get fit outdoors.

He said: “Even before these figures came out we knew we had higher stroke and cardiac disease rates in Acomb. This is just one more indicator that more needs to be done to improve people’s health in the area.

“We also know we have one of the lowest areas of green space per person here. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to put the two things together.

“We know the pressure that schools are under. It’s far easier for parents to get out and get active with their kids is there’s green space. I can’t tell you how many comments I get from people who are frustrated about this.”

And he said the city centre is steadily losing more and more of its green spaces.

He added: “The way the Tories and the Liberal Democrats see things is for the future of York to put more houses into the city centre. They are increasing the pressure and density of housing for people living in the city to protect rural areas.”

The figures also show that 15.5 per cent of all year six students in York fall into the obese category, with more than a quarter of year six pupils in Hull Road ward classed as obese.

Sharon Stoltz, director of public health at City of York Council, said: “York has lower rates of obesity and excess weight compared with regional and national averages, particularly among 10 and 11-year-olds.

“The city’s Health and Wellbeing Board has made tackling childhood obesity a priority. It has established a steering group to develop a strategy and action plan to improve levels, and will oversee its implementation.

“Healthy weight is one of many strands to our Healthy Child Service, which is based upon early interventions and is delivered using a whole family approach.

“We know that some areas of the city have a higher prevalence of childhood obesity linked to levels of deprivation, and we provide advice to families and schools on healthy choices including those around food and activity to promote a healthier lifestyle.

“The council supports hundreds of voluntary and community sports clubs across the city, who deliver regular sport and physical activities for young people. In addition, the Daily Mile, the Big Pedal and Walk to School week are among the initiatives schools are using to increase children's activity levels.”