Billion are overweight, says WHO

More than a billion people worldwide are now overweight, according to a report published today that blames diets dominated by ready-made meals and fast food.

The study by the World Health Organisation shows that at least 300 million people around the globe are clinically obese. In Britain, the number of men suffering from obesity has more than doubled from 8 per cent in the 1980s to 17 per cent now, while the rate for women has soared from 9 per cent to 21 per cent.

The report advises people to consume less than 5g of salt a day, eat at least 400g of fruit and vegetables, do one hour of exercise and cut fat intake.