A new study shows half were unaware of the link between physical inactivity and type-2 diabetes, while 18 per cent did not know it could increase the risk of heart disease.
More than 800 parents with children aged up to 11 were quizzed as part of the survey, commissioned by the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK and Diabetes UK.
It also revealed 59 per cent of parents are unaware of the link between a poor diet and cancer, while 23 per cent do not know of its link with type-2 diabetes.
Ed Yong, Cancer Research UK's health information manager, said: "Keeping a healthy bodyweight is one of the most important ways of reducing the risk of cancer, after not smoking.
"We know that early habits can follow children into adulthood so it's important to instil the importance of healthy eating and regular activity at an early age."
Douglas Smallwood, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said the lack of awareness among parents was "frightening".
He added that the government has a major role to play in committing to legislation on restricting junk food advertising.
The study coincides with the launch of a new advertising campaign to support the government's Change4Life campaign.
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