Brit kids 'getting fatter at twice the rate of Americans'

London, June 26 (ANI): A recent study has revealed that British children are getting fatter at twice the rate of those in America and spend a lot more on unhealthy snacks.

Researchers have found that the expenditure of British children on sweet products, snacks and treats is double the amount spent by the children living in the United States.

Experts said the findings indicate that the government's plan to cut the rate of obesity among children has failed miserably.

It was found that British children spent an average 372 pounds on sweets and chocolates every year. However, American children spent just 150 pounds per year on similar treats.

More than 2.3 million children in Britain are estimated to be overweight or obese. Many under-12s already show signs of high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes and liver disease.

Jackie Schneider, of the Children's Food Campaign, said the "long-term health of our children first" should be the priority of the government.

"Childhood obesity is a very worrying trend," the Telegraph quoted Schneider as telling the Daily Mail.

She added that banning junk food television advertising before the 9pm watershed, using traffic light labelling on food packaging, increasing eligibility of free school meals and providing fresh drinking water in parks would help.

However, a spokeswoman for the Food and Drink Federation, which represents manufacturers, discarded the findings.

"Nobody is being complacent. 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," he said.

An independent research company, Datamonitor, has conducted the research. (ANI)