Britain has shot up the rankings to become the seventh biggest "nanny state" in Europe, according to a new report from the Institute of Economic Affairs.
The UK has leapt four places from 11th position in the previous index, with freedoms decreasing at a faster rate than almost anywhere else in Europe over the past two years.
The Nanny State Index, which scores 29 European countries out of 100 based on how they regulate lifestyle choices, cited several factors for Britain's rise.
These include high tobacco duty, the tax on sugary drinks, the indoor smoking ban in pubs, restaurants and vehicles with children, and growing restrictions on food and drink advertising.
Britain has shot up the rankings to become the seventh biggest "nanny state" in Europe, according to a new report from the Institute of Economic Affairs
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The UK has the "worst score for tobacco in the index" and is also penalised for alcohol duty and plain packaging rules for tobacco products.
Germany, Luxembourg and Italy were deemed the most liberal countries in Europe according to the index, whilst Turkey, Lithuania and Finland top the table for nannying.
The report states there is "no correlation whatsoever between Nanny State Index scores and life expectancy" nor lower smoking rates or reduced alcohol consumption.
However, it argued that "sin taxes" raise the cost of living and "hurt the poor".
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PAThe IEA warns that Britain could climb even higher when the next index is published in 2027 due to forthcoming restrictions.
From next month, selling single-use vapes will become illegal, while October will see a ban on "less healthy" food adverts before the watershed on TV and a total ban on paid-for online junk food ads.
Legislation is also progressing through Parliament to ban tobacco sales to anybody born on or after January 1, 2009.
Christopher Snowdon, report author and head of lifestyle economics at the IEA, said: "The UK is sinking ever deeper into the quicksand of heavy-handed government paternalism."
Legislation is also progressing through Parliament to ban tobacco sales to anybody born on or after January 1, 2009
Getty ImagesHe added: "The idea that adults should be free to choose is fading away and there will be politicians who see the UK's position on the Nanny State Index as a badge of pride rather than a mark of shame."
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman defended the government's approach.
He said: "The British public wants bold action to tackle the root causes of ill health, but for too long there has been an unwillingness to lead on issues like smoking, obesity and alcohol harm we are turning the tide."
The spokesman added: "We are shifting the focus from sickness to prevention to save taxpayers' money through our ambitious 10-Year Health Plan."
