Brits struggling to strike consistently healthy relationship with food

And almost the same number (19%) admit they lack the confidence in their knowledge to make healthy and balanced food choices.

But with the football season now in full swing, it’s been revealed that nutrition secrets from the beautiful game could help to level the playing field.

A new report commissioned by M&S Food – inspired by its Eat Well, Play Well partnerships with the home nation’s FAs – reveals a growing division between the health and fitness of our footballing heroes and the public.

While professional footballers can run up to 14km per match with over 60 games per season, public health paints a very different picture, with 26% of English adults obese and 38% overweight.

Poor nutrition is also having an impact on the development of children, with British five-year-olds up to seven centimetres shorter than children the same age across Europe and height differences also notable between affluent and deprived areas of the country.

The campaign aims to use the power of football to create a healthier future for families in the UK.

Jermaine Jenas, former England international, broadcaster and football pundit, said: “When I was growing up, all I wanted to do was play football. I didn’t want to sit at the dinner table and somehow I survived on four bowls of cereal a day in between playing football with my friends.

“But as my career progressed and as football nutrition became a focus, I quickly learned how eating well was the key to playing well.

“There’s a real connection between plate and pitch. And it’s not just about your performance in a match, it’s about living a healthier and fulfilling life.”

“The new report by M&S Food shows that people have the desire to eat healthier but not necessarily all the information or support to do so.

“Through the power of football, hopefully we can inspire the nation to make healthier choices, one meal at a time.”

As part of its commitment to creating a healthier world for the next generation, M&S Food are helping families make healthier choices by expanding the Eat Well range and launching the M&S Eat Well truck which will take healthy snacks directly to grassroots clubs and schools.

Sophia Linn, M&S Eat Well Nutritionist and co-author of the report, added: “Families face so many challenges today when it comes to making healthy choices – busy schedules, convenience foods, and conflicting information can make it difficult to prioritise nutrition.

“We recognise there is a need for everyone to have the knowledge to consume a nutrient-rich diet which helps us to thrive and perform at our best whether we are heading to school, to work or on the pitch.

“We’re here to help families get the nutrients they need through our campaign, where we have hints and tips perfect for every day which includes food from our Eat Well range in store.”