Childhood obesity — brave and bold action

The recommendations are:

• Strong controls on price promotions of unhealthy food and drink
• Tougher controls on marketing and advertising of unhealthy food and drink
• A centrally led reformulation programme to reduce sugar in food and drink
• A sugary drinks tax on full sugar soft drinks, in order to help change behaviour, with all proceeds targeted to help those children at greatest risk of obesity
• Labelling of single portions of products with added sugar to show sugar content in teaspoons
• Improved education and information about diet
• Universal school food standards
• Greater powers for local authorities to tackle the environment leading to obesity
• Early intervention to offer help to families of children affected by obesity and further research into the most effective interventions.

We believe that if the Government fails to act, the problem will become far worse. A full package of bold measures is required and should be implemented as soon as possible.

Report