The UK is officially THE fattest nation in Europe.

As the UK officially becomes the fattest nation in Europe, celebrities and health professionals have joined forces to call on the Government to fight obesity through compulsory cooking lessons in schools.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Jamie Oliver , Steven Gerrard and leading figures in health and education call on David Cameron to introduce a minimum 24 hours' practical cooking skills and food education for all pupils aged four to 14.

The group said in the letter that the "pride" of hosting the Olympic Games has been "tainted by the shameful fact that Britain is officially the fattest nation in Europe".

The campaigners said teaching children through the National Curriculum how to prepare nutritious meals for themselves and their families would be an important step in tackling the rising obesity epidemic.

Without these skills, people are less likely to exercise meaningful control over their diet and food intake, and tend to rely on pre-prepared or takeaway food, they add.

"We feel there's a great opportunity for the Government and Britain to take the lead in implementing measures that will have a significant impact on the future health of our country," the letter said.

Celebrity chef Oliver and Liverpool footballer Gerrard have teamed up with Clare Gerada, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, and Terence Stephenson, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.

Nurses, academics and charity leaders also joined the campaign.

Besides the call for compulsory cookery lessons, they also noted the need for more sporting role models to promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle to children.

Prof Haslam said: "The 2012 Olympics provide a unique opportunity to improve the nation's health.

"However, sitting in front of the television, cheering our elite athletes on, while eating crisps and chocolates, drinking sugar-sweetened beverages is entirely counter-productive.

"National enthusiasm must be accompanied by an improved diet and enhanced physical activity by the entire population, not just by our Olympians, for a significant difference to be made to the deteriorating health of the population."

Prof Stephenson added: "The UK now has the highest rate of obesity in Europe, with one in three children overweight or obese by the age of nine.

"If these lifestyles don't change, the UK will have an adult population suffering with diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure, giving an already cash-strapped NHS a £10 billion-a-year medical bill."

A Department for Education spokesman said: "We know that a healthy attitude towards food, developed early, is critical to the health, well-being and good educational attainment of young people.

"That's why we've asked the School Food Trust to use their expertise and draw up early years nutritional guidance and why maintained schools must abide by the national minimum standards for nutrition.

"We are currently reviewing the National Curriculum and will make further announcement on the review in due course."

Oliver previously campaigned for healthier dinners in schools.