Most people would agree with tougher government action to protect children from junk food, according to a survey published today.
The opinion poll found backing for restrictions on advertising unhealthy foods during family television shows.
There was also support for the government reducing sugar in every day foods.
The poll was commissioned by the Obesity Health Alliance, an organisation which includes the Academy of the Medical Royal Colleges, the British Heart Foundation, the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation and the National Obesity Forum.
It follows a government decision to place a tax on sugary drinks.
The survey by YouGov found that 78% agreed with restrictions on advertising – and 77% said they were concerned about the high levels of sugar in foods.
Professor John Wass, from the Royal College of Physicians, said: “Alarmingly, some children are consuming as much as three times the maximum recommended amount of added sugar. Food and drink manufacturers must be prepared to reduce the amount of sugar and fat in their products. And the fairest way to make this happen is for the Government to set targets independent of the food and drink industry.
“The Government has been holding off on the childhood obesity strategy for far too long."
Alison Cox, from Cancer Research UK, said: “The obesity epidemic will get even worse if the Government fails to act. This survey proves that most people think that junk food advertising makes children more likely to want unhealthy food."
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