A new study by The University of Otago found the most common foods sold at sport venues across New Zealand are classed as junk food.
The study funded by the Health Research Council reported that fried foods and chocolate dominated in foods sold.
Researchers looked at 31 rugby and 20 netball venues for the study.
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They found that of the venues that sold food, 68 percent of all food sold at the netball venues was classed as junk food and 62 per cent of the food sold at rugby venues.
Co-author Professor Louise Signal says a policy to make those numbers drop is "urgently needed".
"Healthy nutrition policies in sports clubs are urgently needed. This requires support from health agencies and leadership from national sports organisations," she says.
The research found sales of food did not generate any income for the sports organisations, and the food services were provided by caterers who are profit-driven.
New Zealand has one of the highest obesity rates in the world, with nearly one in three adults and over one in 10 children considered obese.
Newshub.
