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Health officials: 'Cut sugary drinks and TV'

People should be told to cut down on their sugar intake and limit time in front of the television to fend off obesity, health officials have warned.

New NHS guidance states that following a healthy diet and being active is important for everyone, not just for those who are overweight or obese.

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Doctors to recommend 'TV-free days' to tackle obesity

Doctors will start recommending overweight patients have TV-free days or get strict and cut their viewing time to two hours per day, according to fresh guidelines.

Limiting TV intake is a good way to cut obesity rates, NICE said. Credit: REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji

People should also keep an eye on their weight using bathroom scales and calories counting apps, according to the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

The guidelines also make a number of dietary recommendations - patients should reduce their intake of calorific foods including biscuits, sweets and chocolate, full-fat cheeses and fried foods.

Doctors recommend people follow a "Mediterranean diet" by eating vegetables, fruits, beans, pulses, wholegrains and fish and uses olive oil instead of other fats.

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