More than 40 per cent of middle-age adults have at least one long-term condition that could cause premature death, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, Public Health England (PHE) Figures show.
Two thirds are overweight or obese, a quarter drink more than the recommended levels and one in five smoke.
As part of its New Year £4.5m campaign, as part of Change4Life, PHE is encouraging parents to help their children eat healthier snacks and snack less often.
Its research shows that half of UK children’s sugar intake comes from unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks.
On average, children are consuming at least three unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks a day, with around a third consuming four or more.
PHE claims there has been a’“snackification’ of children’s lunch boxes, with children eating more between meals and lunch just becoming ‘a collection of unhealthy snacks’.
While sugar remains the main evil, the Government body hopes this fresh approach will catch people’s attention.