Accusing Santa Claus of flouting rules, experts have claimed that he is a public health hazard who promotes obesity and drink-driving among other problems.

Australian academic while terming Santa as a mythical man in red said he was a promoter of obesity, unhealthy products, disease and even drink driving.

Dr Nathan Grills, public health fellow at Monash University's Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine said, "Other dangerous activities that Santa could be accused of were promoting speeding, disregard for road rules and extreme sports such as roof surfing and chimney jumping,"

In a paper published by the British Medical Journal, Dr Grills said a series of Coca Cola advertisements that began in the 1930s made Santa Claus' acquire a contemporary image.

Dr Grills added that certain nations like India where Christmas celebrations were picking up, Santa's image could be used to sell harmful products where regulation of advertising could be compromised.

Experts were of the opinion that the fat, jolly Father Christmas was sending out the wrong message that played a hazard to millions of lives.

The popularity of Santa can be derived from the fact that he is more popular than the McDonald's fictional character, Ronald McDonald.

"We need to be aware that Santa has an ability to influence people, and especially children, towards unhealthy behaviour," facts said.