http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4060433.stm
12/2/04
Unhealthy food in school canteens and the desire to fit in are contributing to obesity among Scottish children, according to a new report.
A survey by Barnardo's found peer pressure, taste, money and choice affected what children chose to eat.
It revealed children accepted junk food as their staple school diet and are influenced by the media and friends to eat high-fat and carbohydrate foods.
The report found teachers and parents had no influence over what they ate.
The survey found children thought of "burger boys" as naughty children who watched television all day and salad-munching girls as posh and teachers' pets.
In Scotland, by the time school children are 12 years old, 33% are overweight, 18% are obese and 10.5% severely obese.
'Reclaim responsibility'
Tam Baillie, assistant director of policy at Barnardo's Scotland, said: "If we are really serious about making a difference to the food children eat in schools, we have got to start listening to what they say, so that we can understand the meaning of food for them.
"As a society we must reclaim responsibility for what our children eat.
"The Scottish Executive has already announced its Hungry for Success 2002 blueprint, which aims to offer schools options and ideas on improving the diets of children in school.
"But we have a long way to travel in making a difference to children's views."
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