‘Timid’ parents blamed over child obesity crisis

Too weak-willed to stop families eating sugary drinks and snacks

THE battle against obesity is being lost because parents are too weak-willed to stop their children eating junk food, say researchers.

One in three youngsters is snacking more than twice a day, washed down with fizzy drinks, squash or juice.

One in four parents frequently gives their children calorie-laden treats such as crisps, chocolate and biscuits between mealtimes, according to a survey.

More than 60 per cent of Scottish adults – and a third of youngsters – are overweight or obese.

Yesterday Tam Fry, spokesman for the National Obesity Forum, said parents have a duty to ensure their children eat responsibly.

He added: ‘Pester power is an enormous pressure, but parents need to be firm and ensure children do not eat these treats between meals. Snacks and fizzy drinks are stacked full of sugar but parents have to be firm and say No.’

He added: ‘The real recipe for healthy eating is to limit fats and sugars so food on the shelves is as healthy as it can be, which is a million miles away from what happens at the moment.’

More than 1,500 families across the country were interviewed about their eating habits for the Attitudes to Diet and Health in Scotland 2015 survey.

Researchers found almost one in 20 children eats snacks or drinks soft drinks at least four times a day – some even more often.

Another third eat between meals up to three times a day.

One in four parents uses snacks as a reward, or lets their child help themselves to crisps and chocolates, biscuits and cakes, or ice cream. Only 2 per cent said they gave their youngsters fruit.

A quarter of parents said their children refuse to eat healthy food and a further 9 per cent said unhealthy food was ‘hard to resist’. A similar number said they gave into pester power.

Scotland has one of the highest rates of child obesity in Europe, with 29 per cent of two to 15-yearolds at risk of being overweight and 16 per cent at risk of obesity. Only 14 per cent of children eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

Dr Ian Campbell, spokesman for the British Government-funded national charity Weight Concern, said: ‘This level of consumption of unnecessary sugar is harmful – the average teenager is consuming 300 calories a day in excess sugar.

‘Responsibility for good eating habits and health starts at home but governments should help them make healthy choices.’

He added: ‘I would favour controlling what the food industry put into their food – we should legislate to make food healthier and to counter their marketing strategies.’

Scottish Labour health spokesman Jenny Marra said: ‘If we are going to lower child obesity levels we will need a cultural and market shift that will involve public health measures. We have made significant progress in reducing smoking and alcohol abuse, now we need an equally bold approach to improving Scotland’s diet, particularly for children to protect their health.’

Experts have recommended the introduction of a sugar tax in Scotland. Around 14 per cent of the daily energy intake comes from sugar, compared to the recommended level of 5 per cent, according to Obesity Action Scotland.

Public Health Minister Maureen Watt said: ‘Through our Eat Better Feel Better campaign – targeted at lower income families – we are promoting healthier eating as a simple, affordable choice for everyone.

‘We have invested £10million on projects to encourage healthy eating, from community food initiatives in deprived areas to the Healthy Living Award.’

Miss Watts added: ‘The Scottish Government is also engaging with the food and drink industry to support consumers to make healthier choices.

‘Key areas for action are labelling, rebalancing promotions, responsible marketing of food and drink and a focus to reduce calories, salt, fats and added sugar in foods.

‘The Scottish Government has no plans to introduce food taxes.’

‘Responsiblity starts at home’