With childhood obesity becoming a growing problem across the country the council is calling on residents to share their views on how to tackle the issue.

As part of a new London-wide campaign, called The Great Weight Debate (GWD), people are being asked to complete a short online survey to gauge public opinion on the matter.

London has more overweight and obese children than any other major city in the world - including New York, Paris and Madrid.

Although the East End has seen a decline in obesity among children aged four to five in the last nine years, the proportion of overweight or obese 10 to 11-year-olds has increased to 42 per cent - the London average is 37pc.

Speaking at the Women’s Health and Family Services (WHFS) 35th anniversary event, the mayor John Biggs said: “Given how many people it affects we need a wider public conversation about the dangers of childhood obesity.”

“We would like as many residents as possible to have their say; parents, carers, grandparents, young people, community groups and schools.

“Together we can make a real difference to the health, lives and futures of the children in our borough.”

Being obese or overweight increases the risk of children developing high cholesterol, diabetes, joint problems and breathing difficulties.

Cllr Amy Whitelock Gibbs, cabinet member for health and adult services, added: “There are many factors that contribute to these high levels (of obesity) and we all have a responsibility to help make healthy changes to improve the outcomes for the next generation.”

To take the survey and share your views go to surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GWD2016.