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Overindulgence in sugar and carbohydrates, and not lack of exercise, is the reason behind the obesity crisis, scientists have claimed. 

Writing in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the experts argue that high calorie diets are responsible for more health problems than physical inactivity, alcohol and smoking combined.They also say that misleading marketing tactics from food manufacturers have fooled people into thinking that obesity is entirely due to a lack of exercise and call for an end to €celebrity endorsements of sugary drinks and the association of junk food and sport.€

The scientists also criticise public health messages for suggesting that all calories are equal, when in fact, €sugar calories promote fat storage and hunger,€ while €fat calories induce fullness and satiation€, and point out the link between additional sugar calories and diabetes. They also recommend that athletes eat a high fat, low carb diet rather than carbloading before an event.

€It is time to wind back the harms caused by the junk food industry's public relations machinery,€ they conclude. €Let's bust the myth of physical inactivity and obesity. You can't outrun a bad diet.€