Brexit aside, health is shaping up to be the big battle-ground on which this general election will be lost or won. The future sustainability of our country depends on having a strong and healthy population. In order for every child to have the opportunity to grow up healthy, the next Government needs to take effective action to reduce obesity – one of the biggest public health challenges we face today.
We’ve published a manifesto outlining the actions we want to see the next Government take to help shape an environment where everyone can be a healthy weight.
One in three children have a weight classified as overweight or obese when they leave primary school, with the most disadvantaged children significantly more likely to be affected. [1] 64% of adults are classed as overweight or obese. [2] Obesity increases the risk of developing serious diseases including Type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart and liver disease plus associated mental health problems.
We are calling on all political parties to commit in their election manifestos, to the minimum target of halving childhood obesity and significantly closing the inequality gap by 2030, alongside reducing adult obesity, by introducing effective policies to help everyone be a healthy weight. 76% of the public are supportive of Government action to reduce levels of obesity, giving the next Government a clear mandate for action. [3]
Our manifesto focuses on policies, agreed by our members, that will help turn the tide on the flood of unhealthy food and drinks that currently overwhelm families. These include taking junk food out of the spotlight with a 9pm watershed on junk food adverts on all types of media plus bans on sponsorship and the use of child-friendly characters on packaging.
We also want to see comprehensive action across other settings including schools, early years and healthcare settings along with better support, services and resources to equip professionals to help people reach and maintain a healthy weight.
Polling suggests that the public want to see more action from Government, with 86% of people concerned about childhood obesity, and 69% saying the next Prime Minister should continue to prioritise it. [4] It is important that the next Government delivers on the recommendations above, because every child has the right to grow up healthy.
[1] 2019. NHS Digital. National Child Measurement Programme England, 2018/19 school year.
[2] 2018. NHS Digital. Health Survey England.
[3] ComRes interviewed 2,058 adults in Great Britain aged 18+ online between 19th and 20th June 2019. Data were weighted to be demographically representative of all adults in Great Britain by key demographics, including age, gender, region and social grade.
[4] ComRes interviewed 2,058 adults in Great Britain aged 18+ online between 19th and 20th June 2019. Data were weighted to be demographically representative of all adults in Great Britain by key demographics, including age, gender, region and social grade.