The report looked at overweight and obesity levels forecast to 2020, and found current rates to indicate that just 30 per cent of 2 to 11 year olds will be overweight or obese by 2030, compared to the predicted 42 per cent.

In boys, a 5 per cent drop was seen in the number overweight, and 7 per cent in obese boys

The UK’s Department of Health used the data in a new communication to promote its Change4Life programme, which includes measures that the food and beverage industry can take to increase availability and encourage consumption of healthier products.

However the researchers have emphasised that the drop could be temporary and could not give a reason for it, according to the Financial Times.