English hospitals have been criticised for falling "woefully" behind Scotland in the provision of healthy food and drink in hospital vending machines.
A cancer prevention charity said English hospitals were allowing patients and visitors to gorge on crisps, fizzy drinks and chocolate.
The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) said that unlike the other British nations, England has no national guidelines to ensure hospitals can provide healthy food 24 hours a day.
The charity found three-quarters of English hospital trusts have no policy on the food and drink provided by their vending machines.
"Hospital waiting areas often have vending machines filled with high-calorie products such as chocolate bars, crisps and sugary soft drinks," said WCRF general manager Amanda McLean.
"Because there is strong evidence these foods cause obesity they are partly to blame for many ending up in hospital in the first place.
"Hospitals should be beacons of good health in our communities support people in making healthier choices about food they eat."
In 2008 the Welsh and Scottish governments introduced guidelines on providing healthier products in vending machines and England should follow the example, the charity said.
In June, the British Medical Association said hospitals should ban the sale of junk food and unhealthy drinks on their premises.
The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, which called for a ban on unhealthy foods earlier this year, backed the WCRF's call for guidelines for English hospitals.
Chairman Professor Terence Stephenson said: "The NHS needs to send out a clear message that it takes obesity and the health of the nation seriously."
A Department of Health spokeswoman, said: "Hospitals in England have a clear responsibility to promote healthier choices in vending machines."
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