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Junk food generation faces diabetes timebomb

Junk food is causing rising numbers of children to develop type 2 diabetes, a disease once seen only in adults. Despite millions of pounds being poured into taxpayer-funded health drives, the majority of youngsters are still not eating a balanced diet.

Junk food is causing rising numbers of children to develop type 2 diabetes, a disease once seen only in adults.

Despite millions of pounds being poured into taxpayer-funded health drives, the majority of youngsters are still not eating a balanced diet.

Up to a fifth of ten-year-olds are clinically obese and at risk of heart attacks, cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Many children consume just half the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables, with one in five not eating any fruit at all.

An independent study into children’s diets, by nutritionist Dr Carrie Ruxton, points to an increase in cases of type 2 diabetes.

The disease is linked to obesity which usually occurs only in those over 40.

Around 2.8million people in Britains suffer from the disease and rates have increased by 75 per cent since 2007.

Published in the Nutrition and Food Science journal, the research analysed more than 60 studies into children’s nutrition. It warns that millions of youngsters are at risk of heart disease and cancer.

It also says they are at risk of osteoporosis, anaemia and problems with their brain power because they eat the wrong foods.

Most do not eat nearly enough fibre, vitamin D or other important minerals such as zinc and calcium.

Read more at the Mail Online.