Boris Johnson to unveil full obesity plan – including ban on junk food deals and prescribing exercise
THE Government will today unveil how PM Boris Johnson plans to get Brits to lose weight.
A new “Better Health” campaign, run by Public Health England, will call on everyone to “embrace a healthier lifestyle”.
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It will be supported by the NHS with more referrals to the likes of WeightWatchers.
GPs will prescribe exercise, such as cycling and gym classes, and patients will be given access to weight loss apps.
Staff in doctors’ surgeries will also be trained as “healthy weight coaches” to give people advice on how to stay trim.
Meanwhile, shops will be banned from offering Buy One Get One Free deals on junk food and placing treats near store entrances and tills.
Large restaurants, cafes and takeaways must put calorie labels on menus, so customers can make informed choices.
And adverts for food high in fat, sugar or salt will be axed from TV and websites before the 9pm watershed.
Ministers will consult on expanding this to cover all times of day and night.
Other consultations will be for calorie labels on alcohol and compulsory traffic light labelling on food packaging.
The details feature in the Government’s obesity strategy, which has been expanded to target adults as well as kids.
The document, published today, shows adults are eating 200 to 300 more calories a day than they need.
'WAKE-UP CALL'
Children who are already overweight are eating 500 calories a day too many.
Health charities last night welcomed the “world-leading” plans.
But critics said it will push up food prices and see cash-strapped families losing out on supermarket bargains.
Evidence of a link between obesity and increased risk from Covid was a “wake-up call” to ministers.
Mr Johnson has lost over a stone by exercising and watching his food since his brush with the virus.
Dom's diet
DOMINIC Raab says Brits need to take more responsibility for looking after their own health.
The Foreign Secretary called PM Boris Johnson an “inspiration” for losing weight after Covid-19 almost killed him.
He told Sky News: “We know that obesity is related to the worst outcomes from the virus.
"The Prime Minister himself came through a very close-run thing. He came out saying, ‘You know what, I’ve really got to get in better shape.’
“We need to take some more personal responsibility, I think — how much exercise we take, what we eat, what we drink.
“Many people, myself included, need to think about those sorts of things.”
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Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “We’re taking bold action to help every one who needs it.”
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PHE chief nutritionist Dr Alison Tedstone said: “These bold measures will help us tip the scales on obesity.”
But Tim Rycroft, of the Food and Drink Federation, said ministers should promote fruit and veg instead of banning offers.
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