Slim down Britain campaign launched

Tuesday November 11th, 2008

A nationwide campaign to boost healthy eating and reduce obesity was launched today by the British government amidst a host of newly disturbing facts and figures.

According to a government-commissioned survey, just 38 per cent of adults know that obesity can cause heart disease.

And just 11.5 per cent of parents with overweight children are aware of the problem.

Health ministers hope the public will now spot the slogan Change4Life in supermarkets when they go shopping - and start switching to healthy food.

Major retailers including Asda and Tesco have been recruited to the campaign.

The department of health said a total of 12,400 organisations are to take part in the campaign, including the British Heart Foundation, the Association of Convenience Stores and soft drink retailer PepsiCo.

PepsiCo is said to have pledged that major sports stars that take its sponsorship will back the campaign. It will also be supporting advertising to back active play.

Health secretary Alan Johnson warned that 90 per cent of today's children could grow up to be overweight adults by 2050.

He said: "Obesity is the biggest public health challenge the country faces. If we don't take action now we will condemn our children to reduced life expectancy.

"That's why we are aiming to create a lifestyle revolution that will help families to eat well, move more and live longer.

"We can't start a revolution on our own - we need everyone from grassroots community clubs to multinational companies to join us. Ten million people visit their corner shops every day and 36 million shop at Asda and Tesco each week - the fact that grocers and supermarkets are on board means we can really influence what goes into our shopping trolleys."

In the north east of England, retail chains such as Spar and Costcutter are to offer promotions on fruit and vegetables - providing tips for their customers.

Tags: Child Health | Nutrition & Healthy Eating | UK News

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