Statement: OHA in response to reports on the content of the government’s new obesity strategy – 24 July, 2020

“If,  as has been reported, the government’s new obesity strategy addresses the role that the relentless advertising and promotion of unhealthy food has in driving ill-health then it will help to build a healthier, stronger population. There is overwhelming evidence that junk food advertising works. So when adverts for unhealthy food and drinks dominate prime-time TV and social media, while the nation struggles to maintain a healthy weight, this is a problem. A 9pm watershed on junk food advertising would put healthier foods in the spotlight and provide an incentive to the food industry to reduce sugar, fat and salt from their products, which would benefit everyone. This is why the policy is wanted by health organisations, medical professionals and 74% of the public.”