Cancer Research UK has revealed the extent of Scotland's sugar problem and demands strong action from the Scottish Government​

Scots are consuming a massive 110 tonnes of sugar every day from fatty food and drink, shocking new calculations by Cancer Research UK.

The charity has been researching Scotland’s obesity epidemic and has published these calculations to highlight the extent of the problem.

110 tonnes of sugar is equivalent to the amount of sugar in around 4.3 million chocolate bars or 3.1 million cans of cola.

The cancer charity is demanding action from the Scottish Government when it publishes its obesity strategy later this year, calling attention to the fact that obesity is linked to 13 different types of cancer.

CRUK is also calling on the Scottish Government to introduce tougher rules for supermarket promotions on unhealthy food that make it so easy to stock up on sugar, as this could reduce the risk of obesity related cancers.

Cancer Research UK cancer prevention expert Professor Linda Bauld, who is based at the University of Stirling, said: “Obesity is the unpalatable cost of the cheap deals routinely served up in our shops.

“We need urgent action now to prevent thousands of cancers in the future.”

Food bought on offer makes up around 40% of all spending on food and drinks consumed at home in Scotland.

Scotland also has among the highest obesity rates in both Europe and in Great Britain specifically, as Scots spend more on sugary soft drinks than people in England and Wales.

According to a survey commissioned by CRUK, seven in ten Scots would support restrictions on multi-buy offers on foods with a high fat and sugar content.

Professor Bauld added: “When it publishes its obesity strategy, the Scottish Government has a once in a generation opportunity to introduce measures that will have a profound impact on our lives.

“With studies showing the most deprived in our society are more often obese and less likely to get their five-a-day of fruit and vegetables, much more needs to be done to make healthy options affordable instead.”