More than 1.6 million children who began secondary school in the past ten years were overweight or obese according to the latest research.

 

1,654,894 children were deemed to be an unhealthy weight starting secondary school between 2006 and 2014 reveals Cancer Research UK.

 

 

And the research also revealed that childrens’ financial background was a big factor with 16pc of boys between the ages of 5-11 from affluent groups were predicted to be overweight or obese by 2020 in comparison to 60pc of the same age group from deprived backgrounds to fall into the same category.

 

However, the same cannot be said for girls as there was no difference in the figures of those in both groups with 20pc predicted to be overweight or obese by 2020.

 

“We must give children the best chance for a healthy future. Measures like the sugary drinks tax can make a difference and the Government must press ahead with this vital measure,” said Cancer Research UK’s director of prevention, Alison Cox.

 

 

The charity is asking for officials to do more in preventing the marketing of unhealthy foods to children and says this is a big problem.

 

“But there is no silver bullet and more action is needed. The Government has already recognised the influence of junk food marketing on children’s health by banning junk food advertising during children’s programmes - it’s time to close the loop hole during family viewing time.”

 

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