According to a study carried out by Leeds Metropolitan University 2000 1 1 -year-old girls' waist measurements exceeded 31.5inch (80cm) the measurement at which women have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

A study has shown that the established system of using Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements to judge a child's obesity may be outdated and would be more useful when used in conjunction with a three-part system that uses BMI, waist measurement and waist-to-height ratio.

In addition to this, the study found that 2000 1 1 -year-old girls' waist measurements exceeded the 31.5inch (80cm) the measurement at which women have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The Leeds-based study published in the journal Obesity also found that 429 (6%) of boys and 992 (15%) of girls would have been classed as overweight or obese, who would not have been identified using the BMI-only measurement system.

The senior lecturer leading the study, Claire Griffiths, said: 'The data could have serious implications for public health, suggesting that there is a need to understand the relationship between BMI and waist circumference, with growth and health risk.'

The study measured nearly 15 000 school children over a threeyear period.