TEENAGER Jonathan McEvoy, who has battled with being overweight since he was six, has issued a message of support to children everywhere struggling with their weight.

Experts have found that nearly a third of children under four are overweight and nearly one in 10 are classified as obese.

Jonathan, 15, a pupil at Ivy Bank High School, Burnley, has appeared on TV several times talking about his battle and was one of nearly 40 children who attended a "fat camp" in Leeds in 1999 where he lost a stone and a half.

Most importantly, at the camp he learned to manage his weight and gained self-esteem and the willpower to conquer bullies' taunts -- a problem he no longer endures.

He said: "My message to children who are struggling with their weight is that chocolate bar will only give you 30 seconds of pleasure. Look after yourself and learn how to manage your weight.

"I have been to a doctor and know of the health risks of diabetes and potential heart problems of being overweight.

"I just want to look normal -- like everybody else. I know I will always be tubby but I don't get bullied any more."

Jonathan said his father died when he was two and his weight problems started when he was six.

He said: "I realised I didn't have my dad and I started eating because I was depressed. Then it got the point where I was obese.

"It wasn't the meals I was eating. It was because I would be snacking a lot in between meals.

"At weekends if you go into town with your friends there is the temptation to go into McDonald's and it is hard to say no, especially when you are big. It is not always the parent's fault. "I have lost 9lbs this week and I am basically just the same as I was when I went on the camp -- but I haven't put on any more."

Jonathan, who now lives in Cliviger, will be taking his GCSEs next year and is hoping to go on to complete a media studies qualification.

A team of researchers at Liverpool University, led by Dr Peter Bundred, blamed poor diet -- including not enough breast feeding -- and a lack of activity made worse by parents not having time to play with their children.

The report found there was a problem with toddlers because many mothers worked and so needed to do housework and prepare meals when they returned home, leaving their child in front of the TV or watching a video.