UK government criticised for delaying vital anti-obesity policies, endangering children’s health
A recent independent report, commissioned by the UK government, has highlighted the severe risks posed to children’s health in England due to the postponement of crucial anti-obesity measures until 2025. The report underscores the grave consequences of this policy inaction, with children facing an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other severe health issues.
The report points out that ultra-processed foods (UPF) and products high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) have become alarmingly commonplace in children’s diets. This trend is particularly pronounced among lower-income families, who often find it challenging to limit these unhealthy foods. The delay in implementing measures such as the proposed 9pm watershed for junk food advertising and the ban on online ads and unhealthy buy-one-get-one-free deals is exacerbating the issue.
City, University of London, which undertook the government-commissioned research, found that UPFs, along with fatty, sugary, and salty foods, have become a standard component of children’s diets. The report reveals that access to healthy foods like fruits and vegetables is increasingly difficult for many families, especially those with lower incomes. Consequently, children are at a heightened risk of developing long-term health problems, including type 2 diabetes.
The research suggests that families with higher incomes are in a better position to maintain a healthier diet for their children, often avoiding retail environments that promote unhealthy food choices. In contrast, lower-income families find themselves reliant on multi-buy deals and promotions for UPFs, making these unhealthy options appear more economical.
The report’s authors urgently call for the introduction of shelved anti-obesity measures to reduce the appeal of UPF and HFSS and improve access to healthier food alternatives. Recommended actions include expanding access to Healthy Start vouchers, ensuring a living wage that covers the cost of a healthy diet, incorporating fruit and vegetable education in schools, and stricter regulation of misleading health claims on food packaging.
Dr Paul Coleman, one of the study’s authors and a former honorary senior research fellow at City, expressed concern over the early introduction of UPFs in children’s diets. He highlighted the lasting impact these dietary patterns can have into adulthood and their link to serious health outcomes later in life.
Childhood obesity is a significant public health challenge in England, with statistics showing that two in five children leave primary school with overweight or obesity. This puts them at a higher risk of chronic illnesses, mental health problems, and a reduced lifespan.
Katharine Jenner, director of the Obesity Health Alliance, emphasised the urgency for government intervention. She pointed out that parents on low incomes often find it economically risky to purchase healthier foods, such as whole fruits, for their children.
The report also notes that healthier snacks are, on average, three times more expensive per calorie than less healthy options, further complicating the choice for low-income families.
In response, a government spokesperson cited initiatives such as the distribution of fruit and vegetables to school children and voluntary sugar reduction programmes. They also mentioned new calorie labelling requirements in restaurants, cafes, and takeaways, and restrictions on the placement of less healthy products in shops and online to curb impulsive unhealthy purchases. However, these measures fall short of the comprehensive policy action called for in the report.