Government 'losing fight against obesity'

A scathing report will criticise the Government's attempts to combat soaring obesity levels as " woefully inadequate".

Measures by the NHS to encourage healthy eating and protect children from the lure of junk food are "failing", the study by MPs is expected to conclude.

A leaked draft of the report, due out tomorrow, warns of spiralling levels of diabetes, cancer and heart disease if trends continue.

It says obesity already costs the health service and industry at least £3.5 billion a year, far more than previously thought.

In its most dramatic warning, the MPs are said to claim that the entire future of a publicly funded NHS could be put at risk if it fails to avert the prospect of an " epidemic" of serious illness linked to being overweight.

Advertising by the junk food industry aimed at children is condemned in the report - which will prompt calls for tougher restrictions on posters and television commercials.

School children are also bombarded with opportunities to buy fizzy drinks from vending machines and sweets or crisps, it says.

And the MPs even criticise ministers for borrowing slogans from junk food adverts for their speeches.

Whitehall is criticised for failing to mastermind a proper campaign to promote adequate policies to promote healthy eating and exercise, saying different departments which should be involved - including transport, health, education, industry and culture - are failing to work together.

The Department of Transport comes under fire for allowing cars to dominate cities, with less support in many towns for pedestrians and cyclists.

The Government said it would not comment on a leaked report.

The Evening Standard revealed yesterday that ministers are planning new restrictions on advertising for breakfast cereals which contain high levels of sugar or fat but portray themselves as healthy.

Ministers are wary of banning advertising for adult foods, however unhealthy, but are keen to take action on products aimed at children.

Recent research showed every hour of television contains up to 11 ads for foods high in sugar.

Experts say more than 30,000 deaths a year are caused by obesity in England alone. A recent study by the National Audit Office estimated the condition costs the NHS £500 million a year.

The number of obese children has doubled since 1982. Ten per cent of six year olds are obese, rising to 17 per cent of 15-year-olds.

Adult obesity rates have tripled since 1982. Now 19 per cent of Britons are obese and 39 per cent are overweight.