The level of childhood obesity continues to increase in England with the biggest rise seen among primary school children, according to a report published today by the Department of Health.

New figures showed the prevalence of obesity among children aged two to 10 years old rose from 9.9% in 1995 to 13.7% in 2003. The biggest increase occurred among those aged from eight to 10 years old - from 11.2% in 1995 to 16.5% in 2003.

The proportion of children who were either overweight or obese rose from 22.7% in 1995 to 27.7% in 2003, according to the study by the National Centre for Social Research.

The research found a link between levels of deprivation and poor nutrition. Obesity rates were 5% higher among children living in deprived areas (16.4%) than those living in the least deprived areas (11.2%).

A regional breakdown of obesity levels in 2001-02 revealed the highest rates in the north-east (18.3%) and in London (18.2%). The lowest levels were seen in Yorkshire and the Humber (11.4%) and the south-east of England (13.4%). Obesity was more common in children living in inner-city areas.

The figures also showed that 19.8% of youngsters living in households where both parents were either overweight or obese were also obese, compared to 6.7% in homes where parents did not have a weight problem.

Obesity levels were similar for boys and girls. In boys aged two to 10, levels rose from 9.6% in 1995 to 14.9% in 2003. For girls the rate rose from 10.3% to 12.5%.

Last year the government published its public health white paper outlining measures such as increasing sporting activity in schools to combat obesity among children.

Ministers recently unveiled plans to improve the quality of school dinners following Jamie Oliver's TV series, which found children's health improved significantly after their schools ditched junk food from their menus.