Obesity

Today, the government is launching a new Obesity Strategy to get the nation fit and healthy, to beat the coronavirus and protect the NHS.

Obesity is one of the biggest health crises our country faces. Almost two thirds of adults in England are overweight or living with obesity – and 1 in 3 children leave primary school overweight or obese, with obesity-related illnesses costing the NHS £6 billion a year.   We are setting out an Obesity Strategy to help people take control of their own future by losing weight, getting active and adopting a healthier lifestyle. Measures in the plan include: banning unhealthy food adverts on TV and online before 9pm – and consulting on whether the online ban should apply at all times of day; ending ‘buy one get one free’ promotions of unhealthy foods; requiring large restaurants, cafes and takeaways to add calorie labels; consulting on plans to provide calorie labelling on alcohol; and expanding NHS weight management services. This coincides with a new ‘Better Health’ campaign which will call on people to adopt a healthier lifestyle and lose weight.   We know obesity increases the risk of serious illness and death from coronavirus – so it is vital we take action on obesity to protect the NHS and improve our nation’s health.

This is not about a "Nanny State " telling people how to behave. It is about helping people to take control of their own health.