British children are spending much more money on fatty and salty snacks than American kids and are getting fatter at twice the rate, according to new figures.
The Daily Telegraph reports that more than 2.3 million young people in Britain are obese.
The newspaper says research has found that British kids spend twice as much as American children on unhealthy snacks.
Apparently our children spend an average of £372 every year on sweets and chocolates, while American kids spend just £150 a year.
British kids spend £73.24 per year on savoury snacks such as crisps, compared to £39.51 in the USA, and our children also eat more ice cream, ready meals and sugary breakfast cereals.
The number of British children who are overweight or obese is predicted to rise by 2.1 a year, according to the Telegraph.
Jackie Schneider, of the Children's Food Campaign, says the Government's main priority needs to be the long-term health of our children.
"Childhood obesity is a very worrying trend," she told the Daily Mail.
She suggested banning junk food adverts on TV before 9pm, using better labelling on food packaging, more free school meals and fresh drinking water in parks would help.
However a spokeswoman for the Food and Drink Federation, which represents manufacturers, said obesity 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."
Source: Daily Telegraph