Children as young as two have been referred to health officials for being overweight.
New figures released by NHS Grampian have revealed that 70 youngsters aged 15 and under have been referred to weight management programmes this year.
In 2014, 132 children were sent invitations – eleven of whom were as young as two.
The highest number of referrals occurred in 2012, when 201 were invited.
Nutrition expert Dr Alex Johnstone, of Aberdeen University’s Rowett Institute, said the figures mirrored a national trend in obesity which showed childhood obesity is declining.
“The proportion of children at risk of being overweight or obese has been more stable in recent years,” he said.
NHS Grampian has already spent more money putting kids on the programme this year than last.
The scheme involves healthcare professionals working with families to encourage healthier lifestyles.
A spokeswoman for the health board said: “In Grampian, we are tackling child healthy weight in different ways. We work universally to promote healthy lifestyles with children of all ages in schools, nurseries and communities.”
Two-year-old children referred to NHS Grampian for being overweight
