Parents blamed for children's bad diet

The hectic lifestyles of Britain's parents are to blame for the unhealthy eating habits of their children, says a new study.

The report reveals five to nine-year-old children are suffering a negative "spill-over effect" from their mothers and fathers.

This is shown by the growing number of obese and overweight children, who comprise about 30 per cent of the British five- to nine-year-olds surveyed by market analysts Datamonitor. This could rise to 36 per cent by 2008.

Spokesman Daniel Bone said parental lifestyles meant "convenient, often unhealthy food options have been chosen at the expense of more timeconsuming, nutritious alternatives". He also blamed a decline in family meals, long working hours and growing numbers of working women.