MORE than two thirds of Scots back a total ban on junk food promotions in supermarkets, according to a new survey which also highlighted the nation's high consumption of sugary snacks, drinks and ready meals.

The poll by YouGov for Cancer Research UK found that 60 per cent of Scots believe supermarket price promotions play a "very or fairly large" role in encouraging shoppers to purchase unhealthy items they would not otherwise have bought, with 69 per cent of those questioned saying that they would "totally support" a ban on such junk food offers and multi-buy discounts.

It comes after MSPs were urged in December to legislate against unhealthy supermarket promotions as part of the battle against Scotland's obesity epidemic.

The survey also found that 39 per cent of Scots admitted consuming confectionary such as sweets and chocolate at least once a day, compared to 30 per cent of those surveyed in England, and that one if five Scots consume at least one sugar-sweetened fizzy drink such as Irn Bru or Coca Cola every day.

Scotland's appetite for fast food and ready meals is also highlighted with more than half (52 per cent) of adults consuming a ready meal once a week or more, and 16 per cent eating fast food or a takeaway once a week or more.

Cancer Research UK cancer prevention expert Professor Linda Bauld, who is based at Stirling University, said: "Too much sugar in our diet can lead to weight gain – which is not just linked to cancer, but also the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and tooth decay. From our love for tablet to soor plooms, toffee to macaroons, we’re a nation famous for our confectionary.

"If left unchecked, obesity will lead to a rising tide in ill health, including cancers, and become a crippling burden on the NHS. We know that sugary drinks and snacks are more likely to be discounted than healthier foods and we know that people are being attracted by these promotions.

"The Scottish Government can and must do more to make it easier to shop healthily and serve up a better future for our young people. We need urgent action now to prevent thousands of cancers in the future.”

The findings come days after new research from Imperial College London found that "strong evidence" for a link between obesity and the risk of developing 11 types of cancer: breast, ovary, kidney, pancreas, colon, rectum and bone marrow.

The study collated the results from 204 previously published studies exploring the connection between obesity, weight gain, waist circumference and 36 different cancers.

In Scotland, around two-thirds (65 per cent) of adults and 28 per cent of children are overweight or obese.

Prof Bauld added: “Our fast paced lifestyles have fed in to our eating habits. We’re now hurtling towards an epidemic of larger waistlines and increased cancer risk fuelled by ‘grab and go’ foods and a growing appetite for takeaways and eating out.”