UK’s war on obesity: “Contradictory” government messages slammed

10 Jul 2020 --- As pressure mounts for concrete action against obesity – which has been linked to worse COVID-19 outcomes – the UK government is being called on to create a “joined-up” National Food Strategy. This follows reports from The Times that UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson may ban supermarket promotions of unhealthy food as the first step of his so-called “war on obesity.” However, the Department of Health & Social Care tells NutritionInsight that these reports are speculation and that any changes will be announced in due course. This also comes at the heels of the announcement of the “Eat Out To Help Out” scheme, which has been criticized by health campaigners.

“Commitments to reduce unhealthy food promotions in stores are good and long overdue, but much more needs to be done to tackle marketing that encourages kids to eat junk. Government committed to halving child obesity by 2030, and the links between higher risks of mortality from coronavirus and obesity have only raised the urgency for action,” Ben Reynolds, Deputy Chief Executive of Sustain: The alliance for better food and farming, tells NutritionInsight.

As reported by The Times, shops may be prevented from offering “buy one, get one free” deals on targeted products. A ban is also expected on confectionery and chocolates promoted at the end of supermarket aisles and entrances. A study last year revealed that supermarket layouts, pricing strategies and shopping environments are worsening the obesity epidemic. Notably, 36 percent of shoppers impulse buy unhealthy products on a special offer, and 20 percent say supermarkets cause them to go off track when attempting to lose weight.

However, the much-discussed 9 pm UK watershed on advertising unhealthy food is unlikely to be introduced currently. Reynolds flags the need for advertising restrictions in order to address the obesity crisis fully. “From advertising in family programs and online before 9 pm, through to their favorite characters being strewn across unhealthy products – we need to take these products out of the spotlight. Why take chances on our nation’s health – we are the second fattest in Europe – and why not deliver the oven ready plan produced and look to what else might help us eat healthier,” he argues. 

This speculation comes in the wake of mounting evidence pointing to a connection between obesity in patients and worse COVID-19 outcomes. Following Johnson’s own COVID-19 hospitalization, he declared a “war on obesity.” The role of retailers has already been focalized, with investors calling on UK retailer Tesco to disclose the proportion of its sales made up of healthy food and drink products and set ambitious targets to increase these over time. 

The "Eat Out To Help Out" scheme has been criticized by many health experts. Weighing up the “Eat Out To Help Out” scheme
This week also saw the announcement of the “Eat Out To Help Out” scheme to encourage the public to eat in restaurants and cafés as the UK reopens its foodservice sector, which has taken a battering over the last few months because of lockdowns and quarantine measures. The scheme will give everyone in the UK 50 percent off (up to £10) at pubs and restaurants if they dine out Monday to Wednesday in August. This announcement was met with strong criticism from many in the nutrition sphere, with Action on Salt branding it a “step back” for public health. 

“The UK currently has one of the highest rates of overweight and obesity globally and therefore encouraging increased consumption of meals eaten out of the home, which are typically higher in calories, fat, salt and sugar, sends out the wrong message and undermines the work currently being done to improve public health,” notes Action on Salt. 

“The government seems confused about what it wants the public to do, offering with one hand a meal deal, and then making us feel guilty for eating too much. That contradictory government messages on food have hit the headlines in the last 24 hours highlights the need for a joined-up National Food Strategy, directing government support to businesses to serve and sell greener, healthier food,” concludes Reynolds. 

By Katherine Durrell