The new report ‘Turning the Tide: A 10-year Healthy Weight Strategy’ lays out new policies needed to improve public health and wellbeing. Over two-thirds of people in the UK are classed as overweight or obese.
Dr Max Davie, Officer for Health Improvement, said:
“We are pleased to join efforts with the Obesity Health Alliance (OHA) and fellow organisations to publish a healthy weight strategy that is practical and achievable. The rising levels of obesity among children are concerning. Overweight children have increased chances of developing other health conditions, including heart diseases, high blood pressure and diabetes. Efforts are needed to tackle drivers of obesity by introducing structural policies, such as mandatory reformulation of commercial infant and baby food and drinks to reduce sugar and salt level, which could have a positive sustainable impact on society.
In addition, health inequality is a fundamental driver of obesity that is becoming increasingly acknowledged by policymakers and which needs to be addressed to reduce inequalities. Our State of Child Health 2020 report has shown that obesity is more prevalent among disadvantaged groups in deprived areas that are affected by health inequalities and poverty.
Prevention and early intervention are at the heart of our commitment to protect and promote child health which can help prevent negative outcomes or inhibit certain causes and factors behind negatives outcomes.”