For a city which seems to be addicted to cycling, the fact that one in five children in Oxford are obese might at first seem implausible.


But that only serves to mask — and ultimately divert attention from — the serious problems of social deprivation which affect some parts of the city.
It is perhaps no coincidence that the parts of Oxfordshire with the highest levels of obesity are Oxford and the Cherwell district.


Interestingly other, more rural, parts of Oxfordshire do not appear to have been so badly affected by this problem.


That the issue of childhood obesity exists — and is a serious one — is widely acknowledged.


But the problem that must then be addressed is what can be done about it, and answering this question is not quite as simple.


Undoubtedly schools play an important role, if for no other reason than the fact that children spend most of their time there.


It is imperative that healthy school meals and plenty of exercise form part of every pupil’s day, but whether having a fast food outlet down the road is likely to undermine this is a moot point.


The details of any eventual plans will determine whether it is a policy which makes sense.


But good habits — which schools can then build on — are set at home and the problem of obesity can begin from an early age, before children are capable of leaving school to buy a bag of chips.


In the meantime, the ultimate responsibility for a child’s welfare must lie with the parents and it must be they who make sure their children grow up to eat well and exercise regularly.