The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that obesity and overweight are set to become “the new norm” throughout Europe due to a “deadly” epidemic of physical inactivity and diets high in sugar, fat and salt.

Up to 27 per cent of Europe’s 13-year-olds and 33 per cent of 11-year-olds are overweight, officials have reported.

Countries with the highest proportion of overweight 11-year-olds included Greece (33 per cent), Portugal (32 per cent) and Ireland and Spain (both 30 per cent).

Overall the UK is performing slightly better, but in Wales 30 per cent of 11-year-old boys are overweight.