A majority of Scots support plans to restrict supermarket price offers on unhealthy junk food, a poll has found.
The survey for Cancer Research UK found calls for the Scottish Government to restrict price promotions for fatty, sugary and salty food were supported by 62% of adults in Scotland.
The survey also found that two thirds of Scots are worried about their weight or the weight of a family member. It also found 82% of Scots said supermarket deals which offered extra items for free encouraged people to buy unhealthy food.
The charity said obesity is the second biggest preventable cause of cancer after smoking and support strong action.
Restrictions are part of the Government’s diet and obesity strategy to help people lose weight.
A consultation on the plans, which would also see the broadcast of TV adverts for unhealthy food banned before the 9pm watershed will be debated on 1 February in Scottish Parliament.
Professor Linda Bauld, Cancer Research UK’s cancer prevention expert, said: “This survey shows that obesity is a worry for all of us – and with good reason. Obesity is linked to 13 different types of cancer.
“When we stock our cupboards with cheap chocolate, crisps and biscuits, we are getting far more than we bargained for. Obesity costs us dearly and this survey tells us the public want action.
“On World Cancer Day, we hope politicians will unite to call time on obesity in Scotland. In the fight against obesity, laws to restrict the tempting junk food deals that are at the heart of Scotland’s poor diet will be crucial.
“The evidence for action keeps piling up. We must do much more to make sure the pounds don’t keep piling on.”
The YouGov poll surveyed 1037 Scottish adults in early December.
