Customers to be given extra loyalty points for healthier purchases
The government is set to enlist the help of supermarkets in the battle against childhood obesity, according to reports out today.

If new plans get the go-ahead, shops and supermarkets will be encouraged to award extra loyalty card points to customers who purchase healthier options, such as food that's low in fat, salt and sugar.

Proposals already exist to ban advertising junk food before the 9pm watershed, but this could also be extended to web sites, text messages, computer games and cinemas.

It is thought that as many as 15 per cent of children aged between two and 11 are obese.