More than one in three children aged five to ten is overweight or obese, according to a new survey out today.

Nearly 30 percent in the age bracket are obese, with another six percent overweight, the 2006 Health Survey of Adults and Children in Bermuda has shown.

Unveiling the report at a press conference today, Health Minister Michael Scott said it highlighted the urgency for Government’s Healthy Weight Action Plan launched last month.

Mr. Scott said: “The findings for children indicated a good health status overall, although the incidence of obesity is a significant cause for concern.”

The survey also indicated increasing levels of obesity, diabetes and heart disease in adults.

For more reports on this story and reaction see tomorrow’s Royal Gazette.