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The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) is calling for a coordinated offensive to tackle both obesity and dental decay in children and young people.

A new position statement from BSPD highlights the diet and lifestyle factors common to obesity and dental decay which are both alarmingly prevalent among under 16s.

The most recent (2013/14) National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) showed that 33% of 11-year-olds were overweight or obese and research shows that obese young people are more likely to have decay in their permanent teeth.

BSPD spokeswoman Claire Stevens said: 'Poor nutrition poses a clear health risk to children and young people. We support all calls for clearer food labelling and our members wish to be part of a co-ordinated approach to raising awareness of the damaging impact of foods and drinks which are high in sugar or fat, or both, and low in vitamins'.

The British Dental Association (BDA) has announced that it supports the BSPD's call for a coordinated offensive to tackle obesity and tooth decay.

The BSPD supports national healthy eating campaigns such as the change4life Sugar swaps and the BDA's Make a meal of it campaign, the Action on Sugar campaign and NHS Choices Eat well plate.

The BSPD's position paper, which advocates clearer food labelling, close liaison with dietitians and a coordinated, multi-agency approach, can be found at http://ow.ly/Jz2Hd.