Young children’s eating habits improve but teenage girls eat badly

Teenage girls have poor eating habits and are risking their long-term health, data from the Department of Health reveals.

According to findings by The National Diet and Nutrition Survey, teen girls are eating half the recommended daily portion of fruit and veg, with only 56 per cent getting a sufficient intake of iron.

Younger children’s eating habits are found to be improving with youngsters eating fewer sweets, chocolate and drinking fizzy drinks.

Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies said: “It is really important that teenagers eat a balanced diet – including eating five portions of fruit and veg a day. Eating well and being active can help prevent serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease later in life.”