The first examples of adult-type diabetes have been found in overweight white children in the UK.

The revelation has increased fears that rising rates of obesity among the young will place a serious burden on the health service in years to come.

Forum Response: Sport England

David Moffett, chief executive of Sport England, told ePolitix.com: "For some children the PE lesson is the only exercise they get and currently some schools can only offer half an hour. We have been pressing for a minimum of two hours of PE a week within the curriculum for some time.

"Many young people lead very inactive lifestyles, they are driven to and from school, come home and play computers or watch TV. We accept that organised sports is not for everyone, but there must be more activity as part of daily life.

"We must all work together to tackle this problem because the knock-on effects of the rates of obesity and other health problems in young people today will no doubt place a massive burden on the health service in the future."