Greenwich has some of the highest rates of obesity in London, according to a new report.

There are 3.8 million people identified as overweight or obese in the capital including one in three children by the time they start secondary school.

A “systematic long-term approach” is needed to curb the high rates of obesity in Greenwich, experts have claimed.

Recent data shows a slight reduction, particularly for reception aged young people (aged 4-5), in obesity, but levels are still well above the national average.

According to a new report, roughly 41 per cent of pupils are overweight or obese by the time they start secondary school – compared to the country’s 34 per cent average.

Glyndon and Thamesmead Moorings are the wards with the highest percentage of overweight and obese reception pupils, the report explains.

“A systematic, long-term approach will be required to achieve healthy weight as the norm across the population,” officers said.

“There is also a clear recognition that action at borough level alone cannot impact on all of the causes of obesity; some actions require regional, national and global responses. There is nevertheless much that can be done at local level.”

Councillors will be given an update this week on how the council is planning to reduce obesity in the borough through well-being strategies and a specific healthy weight action plan.

Priorities include promoting healthier eating in schools, encouraging walking and cycling and improving the environment when considering planning applications.

Last week the council closed roads outside several schools to traffic, encouraging the school run to be done on foot to improve health and curb pollution.