British children are getting fatter at twice the rate of those in America and spending far more on unhealthy snacks, new figures suggest.

Researchers found that British children were spending double the amount on sugary products, snacks and treats as those living in the United States.

Experts said the findings showed that the government’s drive to cut the rate of obesity among children had failed.

Figures published on Thursday found British children spent an average £372 on sweets and chocolates every year, equivalent to about 850 Mars bars.

The research, from Datamonitor, an independent research company, found American children spent just £150 per year on similar treats.

More than one in three British children aged five to 13 are already overweight or obese.

But that figure is forecast to shoot up by 2.1 per cent a year through to 2014, far higher than the 1.3 per cent annual rise expected for the U.S.

It found the average amount spent on savoury snacks, such as crisps, was £73.24 in Britain compared to £39.51 in America. British children were also found to eat more ice cream, ready meals and sugary breakfast cereals.

More than 2.3 million children in Britain are estimated to be overweight or obese and many under-12s already show signs of high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes and liver disease.

The previous Labour Government spent nearly £2 billion over 10 years attempting to tackle obesity levels. Much of the money was spent encouraging children to lead healthier lives.

Jackie Schneider, of the Children's Food Campaign, said the “long-term health of our children first” needed to be the government’s main priority.

“Childhood obesity is a very worrying trend,” she told the Daily Mail.

She banning junk food television advertising before the 9pm watershed, using traffic light labelling on food packaging, increasing eligibility of free school meals and providing fresh drinking water in parks would help.

A spokeswoman for the Food and Drink Federation, which represents manufacturers, rejected the findings.

A spokesman cited government figures that appeared to show obesity rated among children had “levelled off”.

“Nobody is being complacent,” he said.

“We agree that childhood obesity levels are still too high in the UK and we look forward to working in partnership with the new Government on any initiatives designed to help consumers of all ages lead healthier lives.”

Earlier this week the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice), the Government's public health watchdog, released landmark guidance on how to prevent the "huge number of unnecessary deaths" from conditions such as heart disease.

It was published in response to increasing concern about obesity in Britain, particularly among children.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/childr...sters.html

Overweight is a problem of many countries, not just USA and GB. I can see it when I look at my sisters children eating sweets and chocolates too often. But try to tell children that it is unhealthy.