A SHOCKING one in five children are clinically obese by the time they are 11, new figures have revealed.

Research conducted by Southend Council has shown more than 18 per cent of Southend Year 6 pupils – about 380 children – were dangerously overweight.

The revelation has drawn fierce criticism from health campaigners, who said parents and teachers needed to do more to educate on diet and encourage exercise.

Tam Fry, spokesman for the National Obesity Forum, said: “Parents need to take the lead in educating their children about nutrition and the importance of keeping active.

“However, children of that age are also given pocket money, which they can choose to spend on crisps, snacks and sugary drinks.

“We need to take a stronger stance in our schools to encourage a balanced diet.”

There are about 1,900 Year 6 pupils across Southend’s 29 primary schools.

Their weight is measured annually as part of the Government’s attempt to reduce obesity, which has become an increasing problem in recent years.

The condition is defined by body mass index – a measurement which determines whether people are overweight, based on their size and height.

The children causing most concern had a body mass index of more than 30, making them clinically obese The latest figures for Southend were included in the council’s Culture-on-Sea strategy.

The blueprint aims to increase the number of people visiting the town’s beaches, parks and other attractions by highlighting the importance of being healthy and getting out and about.

Mark Flewitt, the Tory councillor responsible for education, said the town’s schools took their responsibility to teach pupils about good nutrition seriously.

“I am satisfied that we are doing everything possible in our schools,” he said.

“Obesity is an unnecessary evil which we must do all we can to combat. Schools can play their part in that, but if a child is eating badly at home, then all that good work will be neutralised.

“Good nutrition needs to start at home and be developed at schools.”