Children in Tayside and Fife are less likely to become obese than they were a year ago, official figures show.
The number of P1 youngsters at risk of obesity or being overweight fell across the region as the national figure went up.
Last year every local authority area in Courier Country had obesity rates higher than the Scottish average, but this year only Dundee fares worse.
Dr Laura Stewart, from NHS Tayside’s Paediatric Overweight Service (POST), said: “We are very pleased to see a reduction in the number of P1 children in Tayside at risk of obesity or being overweight.
“We would encourage parents and families to keep up the good work around providing healthy meals for their children, reducing time spent in front of screens and increasing physical activity.”
A quarter (25.5%) of Dundee children started primary school at risk of obesity and overweight issues in 2015/16, according to new Scottish Government figures.
That compares with 21.6% in Angus, 22% in Fife and 21.9% in Perth & Kinross. Across Scotland this year’s figure is 22.1%.
Referring to the national picture, Prof Linda Bauld, Cancer Research UK’s cancer prevention expert, said: “The fact that so many children as young as four are entering primary school carrying too much weight is a stark reflection of the obesity epidemic that’s gripping Scotland.”
Alison Johnstone, for the Scottish Greens, said the figures are a “stark reminder” of inequality, adding it is “no coincidence that there is a link between a family’s wealth and their children’s health”.