BHF comment
Government confirms plans to press ahead with junk food advert restrictions
The Government has today confirmed that they are forging ahead with plans to restrict the advertising of foods which are high in fat, salt, and sugar – a key part of the obesity strategy which was published last July. This commitment follows calls by us and a number of other leading health organisations for these measures to be adopted.
Measures being adopted include a 9pm watershed for junk food adverts on TV, and further restrictions on online advertising. There are a number of exemptions to the new rules – for example, companies with fewer than 250 employees will not have to adhere to the new online restrictions.
Obesity is one of our greatest public health challenges. Our analysis shows that around 31,000 heart and circulatory deaths each year are attributed to obesity – similar in proportion to the impact of smoking. Around half (53 per cent) of all deaths attributable to a high body mass index in the UK are from heart and circulatory diseases, including heart attack and stroke.
A very positive step forward
Commenting on Government plans for restricting the marketing of high fat, sugar and salt foods, our chief executive Dr Charmaine Griffiths said: “These plans are a bold and very positive step forward in protecting children from being inundated with junk food advertising. Introducing a 9pm TV watershed for junk food adverts and also further restrictions for online advertising is one important part in building a more healthy environment where the healthy option is the easy option.
"Sadly, children with obesity are more likely to grow up to be adults with obesity, putting them at greater risk of serious illness such as heart attack or stroke – so pressing ahead with strong measures now will help save lives in the years to come. These plans now need to be passed into law and built upon, so that they have the most positive long term effect on the nation’s health.”