Children are more likely to drink a can of fizzy drink than eat fruit or veg, according to a new report by the British Heart Foundation.
The research suggests that just 20 per cent of children in England are currently eating the reccomended five portions of fruit and veg per day. In comparison, British children are drinking high levels of sugary fizzy drinks, with 39 per cent of girls and 43 per cent of boys drinking a can daily.
'These figures are a warning that many of our children are in grave danger of developing coronary heart disease in the future if they continue to live the same lifestyle. This is simply unacceptable,' said Simon Gillespie, chief executive of the BHF.
The BHF says it has invested £1.2 million in seven new community projects across the UK to teach children how to make the right food choices.
Gillespie added: 'Local decision makers need to identify the children and young people at greatest risk of poor health in their communities and take steps to help them improve their lifestyle. By ensuring children develop healthy habits now, we can give them a fighting chance of avoiding serious ill health in the future.'
