David Fairlamb THE FIT FACTOR

OBESITY in the UK has reached its highest level in recorded history.

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More than one in four adults and nearly one in five children are now classified as obese and the numbers are still rising.

For children approaching secondary school age, the figures are even more worrying. This isn't just a slow health trend, it's a national crisis that's impacting families in every part of the country, and it's starting younger than ever before.

What's changed since 2000?

It’s a number of factors, food has become more processed, more readily available, and more calorie dense. The amount of sugar and fat in everyday snacks is up, portions have grown too and our meals often contain far more energy than our bodies need.

At the same time, modern life means day to day we move less. Our children are spending hours on screens, TV, games, phones, while active play and outdoor time has dramatically shrunk.

For many families, fast food or convenience meals are simply more affordable and realistic than home-cooked alternatives, especially when time and money is tight.