Surgeons are performing hip replacements on children as young as ten because of the damage caused by obesity, new figures show.

In the past three years, the total number of obese people needing joint replacements has risen by almost 60 per cent to more than 37,000.

But much of the rise has been driven by young adults and people in middle age who require surgery far earlier than ever before because of the strain on their joints caused by excess weight.

According to statistics from NHS Digital, 10 children and teenagers aged 10 to 19 have had hip replacements due to excess weight since 2014. Two more obese children in this age group had knee replacements.

In addition, 86 people in their 20s had hip replacements and 11 had new knees due to weight--related damage.

Professor Philip James, past president of the World Obesity Federation, told The Sunday Express: "It is shocking. These figures also show doctors and surgeons are now waking up to the burden of obesity which is steadily rising."

He added: "I predict this problem will continue to escalate. Obesity rates are rising and the first thing that develops is back and joint pain.