The number of takeaways in Glasgow has skyrocketed in the past few years, sparking concerns by anti-obesity campaigners.
The unhealthy climb saw 25 new takeaways and mobile foods open in the city in the past year, taking the total number to 635 according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates.
That represents a 4.1 per cent increase from 2021 and also represents a huge increase of 28 per cent from the 495 takeaways and mobile foods that could be found in the city in 2015 - the earliest year with comparable figures.
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Anti-obesity campaigners say the expansion of the takeaway trade across the country is "deeply concerning" and have urged the UK Government to ensure these outlets offer healthier options.
Katharine Jenner, director of the campaign group Action on Sugar and Action on Salt, said: "It's deeply concerning that the number of fast food takeaway outlets has continued to rise at a staggering rate - especially in areas where there are likely to be high levels of deprivation."
The UK Government recently faced criticism for delaying elements of its obesity strategy by pausing a ban on deals such as "buy-one-get-one-free" offers on junk food and restrictions on pre-watershed (9pm) TV advertising of unhealthy snacks.
Tam Fry, chairman of the National Obesity Forum, warned that the number of takeaways could continue to rise as the cost of living crisis deepens.
He said: "Takeaways thrive in poorer urban areas where their customers find it too demanding to afford healthy and nutritious food. Away from big cities, even though poverty may still exist, these outlets are still able to make substantial profits.
"Wherever their location local councils are increasingly powerless to cut down on their trade."
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said the Government recognised the pressing need to tackle obesity, given the estimated cost to the NHS of £6.5 billion per year and the fact it is the second biggest cause of cancer.
He added: "We're taking urgent action to encourage people to choose healthier food options through introducing calorie labelling on menus, supporting families through schemes such as Healthy Start and bringing into force rules on the placement of less healthy products in stores.
"We will set out further action on levelling up the nation's health through a white paper later this year."
