UK’s ‘food swamps’ full of takeaways make it more likely poor kids will become overweight says Unicef repor – The Sun

It says one in three UK school-leavers are overweight or obese — with those from poorer areas twice as likely to be seriously overweight.

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The study, by the UN’s child welfare arm Unicef, says the takeaway hotspots — known as “food swamps” — mean youngsters from poorer areas are at an artificially increased risk.

It adds: “England’s poorest areas are fast-food hotspots with five times more outlets than in the most affluent areas.

Children from poorer areas are disproportionately exposed to takeaways selling fried chicken, burgers and pizzas, and poorer areas have more visible advertising for unhealthy foods than wealthier areas.”

But the report also praises the UK government’s efforts to increase healthy eating.

It welcomes the sugar tax and plans to ban unhealthy foods at checkouts.

The report also highlights the setting up of the Healthy Start Scheme to provide fruit and vegetable vouchers to low-income families with young children.

Unicef’s Liam Sollis said: “The UK faces the challenge of confronting ‘food swamps’.

“Every year, the Government’s failure to act means more children being pushed into a life of ill-health through no fault of their own.”

Mr Sollis acknowledged recent progress but said more needs to be done.

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