Fast food and fizzy drinks could be causing widespread depression among in children.

A study of 10 to 15-year-olds found that children who played sports and ate healthy foods were twice as likely to be happy.

Gender and age were key factors, with older children largely the least satisfied and girls more likely to eat healthy food.

Teenagers were more prone to eating fatty foods and takeaways, and were less happy than their younger peers.

During the study, happiness was graded through 20 questions including how well the children got on with their peers, whether they were kind and shared with others, and if they got restless or angry.

‘In terms of eating junk food moderation is the key – we’re not telling anyone they can’t eat these foods, just that they shouldn’t be consumed all the time’ said Dr Cara Booker, from the Institute for Social and Economic Research at Essex University.

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