Leisure centres are undermining efforts to increase health levels among young people by stocking junk food in vending machines, according to a new British Heart Foundation (BHF) report.

A Fit Choice has blamed a lack of regulation for allowing a range of leisure facilities - including ice rinks, bowling alleys and park cafés - to offer unhealthy products in an environment where children go to get fit. Prepared on behalf of the BHF by the Food Commission, the study found that vending machines at each of the 35 venues surveyed in the London area stocked products high in fats, salts and sugars.

The BHF said that leisure facilities were undermining efforts to increase the number of children becoming more fit and active by offering the type of products that are no longer advertised on children's television or sold in school vending machines. Less than 50 per cent of the venues visited displayed fresh fruit as part of the food offer, while just two facilities provided the nutritional information that could better inform children and parents.

BHF chief executive Peter Hollins said: "It's fantastic that these kids are getting fit and having fun at the same time but this is being undermined by venues peddling junk food at them. "Councils and leisure providers need to rigorously reconsider the food options they are providing and make it easier for parents and children to make healthier choices."