New backing for sugar taxes
Monday November 30th, 2015
A new alliance is launched today to help combat the epidemic of obesity in the UK.
The
Obesity Stakeholder Group, the first of its kind in the country, has set
out its ten priorities for Government, retailers and health professionals.
In a joint statement, the group has – among other demands – called for a 20% tax on sugary drinks; robust restrictions on food marketing, including a 9pm watershed for junk food; and an independent set of incremental reformulation targets, backed by regulation for industry to reduce the sugar, saturated fat and salt in our foods.
Made up of the Royal College of General Practitioners, Royal College of Paediatric and Child Health, Royal College of Nursing, Royal College of Physicians London, Royal College of Physicians Specialist Committee on Sports and Exercise Medicine, and Royal College of Psychiatrists, plus other medical, public health and charity organisations, the group says it is single-mindedly focused on urging the Government to help combat the epidemic of obesity and its costly consequences for the NHS.
The launch comes just a few weeks ahead of the Government’s expected publication of the Childhood Obesity Strategy.
And today the UK House of Commons health committee launched its own report on child obesity, also calling for the introduction of a sugary drinks tax.
A spokesman for the Group, whose members include Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, Association for the Study of Obesity, British Heart Foundation, British Medical Association, and Cancer Research UK, said it hoped its key recommendations would be included in the publication.
“Around 30% of children in the UK are obese or overweight,” he said. “Many will grow into overweight or obese adults at higher risk of cancer, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other life-threatening illnesses.
“Government action and legislation is vital to help protect children and families, from sales of food and drink high in fat, salt and sugar that will lead to poor health. More could be done to help parents to make healthier choices and support those already overweight who want to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.”
The group hopes to have a similar impact to those coalitions that have been formed to combat tobacco control and alcohol harm reduction.
Tags: Diabetes | Diet & Food | NHS | UK News
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