A Swadlincote doctor has warned parents of the dangers of childhood obesity following new research which revealed that only eight per cent of 11 to 18-year-olds are eating the recommended five portions of fruit or vegetables every day.
The figures were published by the World Cancer Research Fund, which found that overall, youngsters in this age group consume just 2.8 portions each.
Figures collated from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey, which assessed the diet of the general population of the UK, showed that eight per cent of boys in this age group managed their five-a-day compared with nine per cent of girls.
The charity, which has launched a new recipe website, said the figures were "seriously worrying" as a diet low in fruit and vegetables could increase a person's risk of lung, mouth, pharynx and larynx cancer in later life.
Now Dr Buk Dhadda, GP partner at Swadlincote Surgery in Darklands Road, said that "child obesity levels are on the rise".
Dr Dhadda said: "Childhood obesity is increasing which leads to significant health issues both in childhood and in later life, including increasing the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, as well as having an indirect effect on mental health, which puts significant strain on health services as well as the individuals affected.
"Obesity is related to lifestyle, both in terms of diet and levels of activity. Tackling these during childhood is essential if we are going to help people lead more healthy and active lives into adulthood and we need to impress upon our younger population the importance of this.
Only eight per cent of 11 to 18-year-olds eat the recommended portions of fruit and vegetables. (Getty Images)
"Having a healthy, balanced diet is essential and that also means looking at taking the five portions of fruit and vegetables a day as well as reducing intake of unhealthy foods and soft drinks. Only by looking after our children well will be ensure a healthier future for them as adults."
However, it isn't only children dodging the vegetables as the study found that only 29 per cent of adults aged between 19 and 64 manage to eat five portions a day, compared with 36 per cent of over-65s.
A recent study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, found that consuming 10 portions of fruit and vegetables every day could significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
While eating the recommended five a day still helped reduce disease risk, the highest benefits were seen when people consumed 10 portions, researchers found.
World Cancer Research Fund says its new website, Real Recipes, provides meal tips which have been checked by qualified nutritionists and are backed by the charity's cancer prevention evidence.
Sarah Toule, head of health information at the charity, said: "These figures are seriously worrying, so we decided to do our bit to encourage people of all ages to fill up on healthy, homemade dishes featuring lots of fruit and veg. We know from our global research that eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight are two major steps you can take to reduce your risk of cancer.
"The younger these healthy habits are developed, the easier they are to maintain into adulthood. Real Recipes is a site where you can trust all the recipes to be healthy, as well as helping reduce your risk of cancer."
Dr Louis Levy, head of nutrition science at Public Health England, said: "Children need a variety of at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. It is vital for a healthy diet and to help children avoid becoming overweight, a problem which they are likely to carry into adulthood.
"Managing portion sizes and reducing their intake of salt, saturated fat and sugar will help children maintain a healthy weight and minimise the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers later in life."
To find out more visit: http://www.wcrf-uk.org/realrecipes
Eating fruit and vegetables every day helps children and teenagers grow and develop, boosts their vitality and can reduce the risk of many chronic diseases - such as heart disease, high blood pressure, some forms of cancer and being overweight or obese.
Children's growing bodies require good nutrition, and fruits and vegetables contain a multitude of vitamins, minerals and other healthy compounds. Citrus fruits and strawberries are rich in immune system-boosting vitamin C, carrots are loaded with eye-healthy vitamin A and spinach is a good source of iron, a mineral that helps prevent anaemia.
Eating fruits and vegetables in a rainbow of colours will provide a wide range of nutrients that help keep kids healthy.
Fruit and vegetables are a key part of the diet, whether you are a child or an adult. Getty Images
Fruits and vegetables are high in filling fibre, but low in fat and calories and high-fibre foods, such as fruits and vegetables, help the digestive system function properly.
Children with healthy diets, including high consumption of fruits and vegetables, performed better on academic tests than children who consumed fewer fruits and vegetables in a study published in the April 2008 issue of the "Journal of School Health."
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Swadlincote GP's warning as it's revealed only eight per cent of children eat enough fruit and veg - Burton Mail
