BHF comment
Government announces ‘landmark steps’ towards addressing UK obesity
Around one in four adults live with obesity in the UK, in addition to around one in five children aged 10 to 11. Research has shown that children with obesity are more likely to become adults with obesity, which increases their risk of developing heart and circulatory diseases.
Covid-19 has thrown this issue into sharp relief, as evidence shows that obesity increases the risk of hospitalisation with the virus.
It has prompted the Government to bring forward a new obesity strategy, which includes the following measures:
- A 9pm watershed on online and TV junk food adverts
- An end to buy-one-get-one-free promotions on unhealthy food
- New laws requiring large bars, cafes and restaurants with more than 250 staff to calorie label food items
- The launch of a consultation on the mandatory calorie labelling of alcoholic drinks
- The launch of a consultation on “traffic light” nutrition labels to understand how it is being used by consumers
- The expansion of weight management services on the NHS.
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive at the British Heart Foundation, said: “We welcome the PM’s announcement as a landmark step towards addressing obesity in the UK, which is one of our country’s greatest health challenges.
“Reducing obesity in the UK is a complex issue that cannot rely on exercise and willpower alone, so it is really encouraging to see the recognition of the significant effect our environment has on our health. We are particularly pleased to see Government embrace measures to curb the marketing and promotion of unhealthy foods, like the proposed 9pm watershed on online and TV junk food adverts.
“Studies have shown that this measure could lead to 40,000 fewer children living with obesity, and 120,000 fewer with a weight classed as overweight.
“This is vital, as preventing children from living with obesity can then reduce the risk of them becoming adults with obesity, which in turn reduces their risk of developing heart and circulatory diseases.
“At this critical moment in time, when Covid-19 has thrown obesity into the spotlight, the Government has shown real commitment. We hope to see these measures implemented fully and at pace, so that the healthy choice is the easy option for everyone. Comprehensive and far-reaching action will save and improve lives far into the future, and we look forward to seeing this become a reality.”
Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, said: “Losing weight is hard but with some small changes we can all feel fitter and healthier.
“If we all do our bit, we can reduce our health risks and protect ourselves against coronavirus – as well as taking pressure off the NHS.”
Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, said: “Everyone knows how hard losing weight can be so we are taking bold action to help everyone who needs it. When you’re shopping for your family or out with friends, it’s only fair that you are given the right information about the food you’re eating to help people to make good decisions.
“To help support people we need to reduce unhelpful influences like promotions and adverts that affect what you buy and what you eat. Taken together, supported by an inspiring campaign and new smart tools, will get the country eating healthily and losing the pounds.
"We know obesity increases the risk of serious illness and death from coronavirus - so it's vital we take action on obesity to protect the NHS and improve our nation's health."