Grow your own school dinners to beat obesity, says Boris Johnson

BORIS Johnson today declared war on junk food firms in a bid to wipe out child obesity in London.

The Mayor suggested fast food exclusion zones could be set up around schools and in parts of the city with an obesity problem.

Nearly one in four of London's four-year-olds is classed as obese, rising to one in three by the time they are aged 11.

Mr Johnson said children should instead be encouraged to develop a healthy interest in food by growing their own at school.

The proposals, in a study launched at City Hall today, include using planning rules to limit the number of hot food takeaways in shopping centres, residential areas or within 400 metres of parks and schools.

Chip vans could also be banned from parking outside schools to stop pupils buying food at break times.

The report, by London Metropolitan University and City University of New York, will support the Mayor's health inequalities strategy, expected next month.

It suggested the Mayor should lobby the Government to tax unhealthy products such as fizzy drinks, sweets and crisps.

Mr Johnson said: "A superb 2012 legacy for London would be the obliteration of childhood obesity.

"We are championing effective plans across the capital to fight this and I hope that working with New York will result in leaner, fitter, children and families in both cities. I want to take on the fast food companies who mercilessly lure children into excessive calorie consumption. Instead of junk snacks let's encourage kids to grow their own food.

"Many youngsters are unaware of the magic of seeing a seed flourish into a nourishing item you can eat. If schools can help create mini-farms we could cultivate a nation of enthused Jamie Olivers."