The report by the Department of Health raises concerns that more than 12m adults and 1m children will be obese in four years, if no action is taken. This would mean that the government would fail to meet its target to halt the rise in childhood obesity.
In addition, the report projects that girls will overtake boys in the obesity stakes, with nearly one in five girls aged between two and 10 expected to be obese in 2010.
Currently, Ofcom is considering four proposals for controls on junk food and drink advertising to children, which include timing and sponsorship restrictions.
However, many health bodies believe that the options are not tough enough and that a pre-watershed ban on such ads is needed.
According to Maura Gillespie, head of policy and public affairs at the British Heart Foundation, the government is rightly touting the Small Change Big Difference agenda -- inspiring people to make individual changes which together could make a bit difference to the obesity crisis. But, she said, the government must deliver the big changes needed for real difference to be achieved.
She said: "We are demanding the government place restrictions on advertising junk food to children before the 9pm watershed -- a policy that can only have a positive impact on young people's attitudes to foods high in fat, sugar and salt."
Michelle Smyth, food campaigner for Which?, said: "This forecast paints a worrying picture for future generations and show that, more than ever, what we need is clear and honest food labelling to help make the healthy choice the easy choice. To reverse the tide of obesity, the government also needs to address the underhand marketing techniques which are used to encourage children to eat junk food."
Patricia Hewitt, secretary of state for health, said: "We are intervening and helping to make a difference, but we want today's figures to act as a stark reminder of the problem we and our children will face if we don't act now and start making healthier lifestyle choices."
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