UK gov and business partnership to crack down on unhealthy foods driving obesity

In a world-first partnership, the UK and food businesses are taking steps to make healthy choices easier for consumers. The 10 Year Health Plan seeks to lower obesity and ease pressure on the National Health Service (NHS) by prioritizing prevention over treatment, “because prevention is better than cure.”

Companies can choose how they meet the standard — changing recipes, shop layouts, loyalty schemes for more nutritious options, or even providing discounts on healthy food.

“The good news is that it only takes a small change to make a big difference. If everyone who is overweight reduced their calorie intake by around 200 calories a day — the equivalent of a bottle of fizzy drink — obesity would be halved,” says Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting.    

He adds that obesity has doubled since the 1990s and costs the NHS £11 billion (US$15 billion) a year — triple the budget for ambulance services. The NHS risks becoming unsustainable unless the rising tide of cost and demand can be resolved.

Other public health experts suggest that reducing the daily calorie intake by just 50 calories could help lift 340,000 children and 2 million adults out of obesity. However, Tom Sanders, professor emeritus of Nutrition and Dietetics at King’s College London, disagrees.

“In theory, very small reductions in daily calorie intake (50 kcal) should stop unhealthy weight gain. But there is little evidence to support this because, in practice, individuals adapt to small reductions or increases in calorie intake by reducing or increasing energy expenditure. Put into perspective, 50 kcal is the energy expended by ten minutes of brisk walking.”

“Food manufacturers have already reduced portion sizes of foods by ‘shrinkflation’ (less food at higher prices), but so far this has had little impact on obesity,” he adds. “Tackling obesity can only be effective if it changes the obesogenic environment, which is characterized by sedentary behavior and overexposure to high-calorie food.”

Businesses held accountable 

The government is developing a policy that requires all big food businesses to report on healthy food sales to promote transparency and accountability. 

“It is vital for the nation that the food industry delivers healthy food that is available, affordable, and appealing,” notes Environment Secretary Steve Reed. “Britain has some of the best farmers, growers, food manufacturers and retailers in the world, which means we have more choice than ever before on our shelves.”

Sue Davies, the head of Food Policy at Which? shares that their research shows people want retailers to help consumers make healthier choices, and 60% of consumers support the government in developing health targets for supermarkets.

The UK aims to halve obesity by encouraging food businesses to change recipes, shop layouts, or offer discounts on healthier options.However, a nationally representative survey of over 2,000 adults found 81% believe companies put profit ahead of public health, and 26% trust businesses to be honest about the health impact of their products. The report was commissioned by Action on Smoking and Health, the Alcohol Health Alliance, and the Obesity Health Alliance.

Retailers and supermarkets get on board

Andrew Prentice, professor of international nutrition at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, supports the government-industry collaboration to combat obesity. He believes large retailers will set new standards, while smaller producers will face additional initiatives.

“We’re passionate about making good food joyful, accessible and affordable for everyone and have been championing the need for mandatory health reporting across the food industry for many years,” comments Simon Roberts, CEO of Sainsbury’s.

“We need a level playing field across the entirety of our food sector for these actions to have a real and lasting impact.”

John Maingay, director of Policy at the British Heart Foundation, adds that the new standard recognizes the critical role of businesses in supporting a healthier diet.

“This is a fair and evidence-based prescription for better health. Big businesses urgently need the government to level the playing field to help them focus on selling products that help people live well,” says Katharine Jenner, director at Obesity Health Alliance.

“Crucially, it puts the spotlight on the food industry and commits to holding it accountable for providing healthier options, rather than placing the burden on individuals who are already struggling to get by.”

Large retailers and supermarkets will be helping consumers shop for healthier food.

“Our brilliant supermarkets already do so much work for our communities and are trying to make their stores healthier, and we want to work with them and other businesses to create a level playing field,” says Streeting.

Sarah Price, NHS England director for Public Health, adds: “A healthy diet, which includes a variety of nutritious food, can help people stay well and provide long-term health benefits, which is good for them and good for the NHS.”

The government says the new standard will level the playing field for those worried that competitors will not follow suit.

“All food businesses have a critical part to play in providing good-quality, affordable, and healthy food. At Tesco, we have measured and published our own healthier food sales for a number of years now — we believe it is key to more evidence-led policy and better-targeted health interventions,” says Ken Murphy, Tesco Group CEO.

A new policy will mandate big food businesses to report their healthy food sales, promoting transparency and accountability.“That’s why we have called for mandatory reporting for all supermarkets and major food businesses, and why we welcome the government’s announcement on this.”

Health advocates

Price stresses the importance of making healthy and nutritious food options easy to shop for, helping deter people from developing chronic conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The UK has the third-largest rate of adult obesity in Europe, linked to diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, according to the government. 

“Being overweight or obese is the second biggest cause of cancer in the UK and is linked with 13 different types of the disease,” says Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive.

Also, an upcoming Chief Medical Officer report will reveal that over one in five children lives with obesity by the time they graduate from primary school. 

“This government’s ambition for kids today is for them to be part of the healthiest generation of children ever. That is within our grasp. With the smart steps we’re taking today, we can give every child a healthy start to life,” comments Streeting.