This letter was published in The Times letters page on 6th February.
Dear Sirs,
As representatives of the Obesity Health Alliance, a coalition representing over 35 leading health organisations and medical royal colleges, we strongly challenge the partnership between the Premier League and Cadbury.
Over a third of children are overweight or obese by the time they leave primary school, setting them up for a lifetime of poor physical and mental health.
It is our concern that the partnership will create an association between healthy lifestyles and unhealthy foods, such as sugary confectionery which is a key driver of obesity, and are particularly concerned about the impact this may have on our children’s diets
We need the Government to take action to plug the loopholes in existing regulations. We all have a duty to protect children from junk food marketing, including family TV programmes before 9pm, digital media and sports sponsorship.
Signed,
John Maingay, Head of Policy & Public Affairs, British Heart Foundation
Professor Parveen Kumar, Board of Science Chair, British Medical Association
Professor John Wass, Special Advisor on Obesity, Royal College of Physicians
Helen Dickens, Head of Prevention and Engagement, Diabetes UK
Professor Simon Capewell, Vice President for Policy, Faculty of Public Health
Professor Russell Viner, Officer for Health Promotion, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
Alison Cox, Director of Prevention, Cancer Research UK
Malcolm Clark, Coordinator, Children’s Food Campaign
Dr Modi Mwatsama, Director, Policy and Global Health, UK Health Forum
Robin Ireland, Chief Executive, Health Equalities Group
Andrea Crossfield, Chief Executive, Healthier Futures
Lesley McCormack, Founder/Chief Executive, HOOP UK
Caroline Moye, Head of World Cancer Research Fund
Linda Cregan, Chief Executive Officer, Children’s Food Trust
Jenny Rosborough, Campaign Manager, Action on Sugar
Michael Baber, Director, Health Action Campaign
Martin Tod, Chief Executive, Men’s Health Forum
Andy Burman, Chief Executive Officer of the British Dietetic Association
Anna Taylor OBE, Executive Director, The Food Foundation
Dr Liam Brennan, President of the Royal College of Anaesthetists
Dr Andrew Furber, President, The Association of Directors of Public Health