The Health and Social Care Committee has today (15 July) called for a “new, bold approach” to tackle England’s decades-long obesity epidemic that’s costing the country tens of billions a year.
The Government must break the cycle of constantly putting the commercial interests of the food and drink industry over children’s health, MPs say in the report, which goes on to make recommendations to regulate better advertising, promotions and labelling of food, but also to make it easier for people to access healthier options.
While there was a welcome for any moves to reduce the impact of obesity on the nation, some group’s criticised Keir Starmer’s government’s efforts around the topic to date. The report also calls for a ban on advertising of fast food outlets near schools, and on the promotion of unhealthy food adverts in stores and specially near tills, as well as revised packaging with traffic light labels and an enforced boost to the sale of fruit and vegetables.
In response, Michael Baber (left), director of the Health Action Research Group said: “Life expectancy has stalled in the UK, and healthy life expectancy is falling. That’s bad news for the millions affected, and piles ever-more pressure on the NHS.
“It’s time for the Government to take the prevention of ill-health seriously.”
“It’s time for the Government to take the prevention of ill-health seriously, including tackling the obesogenic environment children are growing up in, with all the adverse knock-on effects for their long-term physical and mental health.”
“The report is an excellent starting point. It recognises the harm done to the nation’s health by successive governments not standing up to the food industry - and makes practical, evidence-based recommendations to encourage healthier diets, address the obesogenic environment and prioritise health in food policy.”
Caroline Cerny (right), deputy CEO of Action on Smoking on Health (ASH), speaking on behalf of ASH, the Alcohol Health Alliance and the Obesity Health Alliance added: “We welcome the Health and Social Care Committee’s recognition that the Government must put public health ahead of commercial interests if it’s serious about preventing ill health.
”The Committee is right to highlight how industry lobbying has repeatedly delayed and weakened policies designed to protect people’s health.
“The Government should learn from its approach to tobacco. Where commercial interests conflict with public health, policy must be guided by independent evidence, not by the industries whose profits depend on harmful products. Applying this principle consistently will help deliver the bold action we urgently need to improve the nation’s health.”
Also commenting, Katharine Jenner, executive director of the Obesity Health Alliance, said: “This report is a timely reminder that the evidence on obesity prevention has been clear for years. The Committee’s recommendations are firmly grounded in public health evidence and reflect the bold, joined‑up action that the Obesity Health Alliance and others have long called for, to create a healthier food environment as part of the 10 Year Health Plan for England.
“Too often, measures designed to protect children’s health have been delayed or diluted after sustained pressure from industry.”
“The Government already has many of these policies on the table - mandatory health reporting and targets for large food businesses, stronger restrictions on the advertising and promotion of less healthy food, and an updated Nutrient Profiling Model. Yet too often, measures designed to protect children’s health have been delayed or diluted after sustained pressure from industry.
“If we’re serious about improving the nation’s health, reducing pressure on the NHS and giving every child the best start in life, we must tackle the root causes by making healthier choices easier and more affordable for everyone. This is the moment for the Government to break the ‘junk food cycle’ of inaction and deliver the healthier future families deserve.”
Dame Anna Taylor (left), executive director of the Food Foundation, concluded: “This report contains a wealth of important findings, and we urge the Government to act swiftly on its recommendations.
“Crucially, it puts its finger on the real problem. Affordability - not willpower - is what stands between most people and a healthy diet. As the report recognises, restricting unhealthy food only achieves so much - the bigger opportunity is making sure people can actually afford food that keeps them healthy and well-nourished.”
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