Nearly 20% of children in the UK live in poverty and face life-time risks linked to unhealthy lifestyles, according to a major report published today.
The report, published by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, warns that the UK faces a growing divide between rich and poor – and lags behind the rest of Europe in child health.
It identifies factors such as smoking in pregnancy, low rates of breast-feeding and child obesity as contributing to poor child health.
The paediatricians call for a comprehensive national child health strategy to deliver improved public health and new controls over smoking, alcohol and fat, salt and sugar in foods.
The report says that out of 19 western European countries, infant mortality in the UK ranks 15th. It is twice as high in the lowest as in the highest socio-economic groups.
It says that in Scotland, more than 25% of women in the most deprived areas are smoking following the birth of babies. This is just 3.3% in the wealthiest areas.
Across the UK, more than 20% of children in the first year of primary school are overweight or obese.
College president Professor Neena Modi said: "Many will lead happy and healthy lives. But seven years after the Marmot Review, ‘Fair Society, Healthy Lives’, it is tragic that the future health and happiness of a significant and growing number is in jeopardy because of an alarming gap between rich and poor.
"Poor health in infancy, childhood, and young adult life will ultimately mean poor adult health, and this in turn will mean a blighted life and poor economic productivity.
"The UK is one of the richest countries in the world. We can and must do better, for the sake for each individual, and that of the nation as a whole.”
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