The problem is not confined to adults - childhood obesity is also increasing at an alarming rate. An estimated 8.5 per cent of six-year-olds are obese, increasing to 15 per cent of 15-year-olds; a figure described by some to be of "epidemic" proportions.
It is true to say the Government sees healthy eating as having an important role in improving children's health and wellbeing, and it is currently carrying out a consultation on the issue. But, while this is commendable, children's charity NCH is concerned that the cost of healthy food is noticeably absent from the debate.
The thought of people not having enough money to eat or parents not being able to provide healthy food for their family is not something normally associated with the fourth-largest economy in the world. However, shamefully, this is still a reality in 21st century Britain.
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