New research published as part of the government's National Child Measurement Programme has revealed that more than one in five children in the UK are starting school overweight or obese.

The Department for Health (DH) claimed that the NHS Information Centre's study showed that the rapid increase in childhood obesity levels had started to level off, but accepted that the figures among young people were still "too high". According to the report, 24 per cent of boys and 21.5 per cent of girls in reception class were deemed to be either overweight or obese during 2008-09, while nearly a third of Year 6 pupils - 32.6 per cent - are above their recommended weight.

The National Child Measurement Programme was established in 2005 to weigh all children in reception and Year 6 at primary school to help determine how local authorities can best deliver services for children. NHS Information Centre chief executive Tim Straughan said: "The study shows that the number of children starting their school life either overweight or obese is just over one in five and that it is even higher in Year 6 where nearly one in three pupils is either overweight or obese.

"These findings echo very closely the picture that emerged from last year's study. They highlight the scale of obesity among some of our young children - something which may affect their future health." Public health minister Gillian Merron added: "Evidence is stacking up to show that child obesity is levelling off. This is thanks to the hard work of families, schools and the NHS across England, supported by government initiatives such as Change4Life and Healthy Schools, and action from industry and local communities.

"It's important to monitor children's weight and wellbeing, and I'm glad that we achieved a 90 per cent take up of the scheme. But we need to keep the momentum going. We'll only turn the tide on obesity for good if everyone plays their part."