Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Obesity is as seriousa threat as climate change, says minister

Marie Woolf
Saturday 13 October 2007 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Alan Johnson, the Secretary of State for Health, warned yesterday that Britain's obesity crisis is as serious as climate change and will demand a review into whether the current ban on junk food advertising to children is tough enough.

The call for fresh restrictions on TV ads for junk food comes as new government research reveals this week that half of all adults could be clinically obese by 2050.

Mr Johnson is believed to want a review into whether a ban on junk food advertising should be extended to slots between popular adult programmes such as The X Factor, which are also watched by millions of under-16s. The current ban covers only children's programming and programmes watched by a greater than average number of children.

The use of cartoon characters to promote foods high in sugar, salt and fat is also expected to be scrutinised. And it is believed that the growing trend of food manufacturers sponsoring programmes will also be examined.

A government source said: "The Health Secretary's personal view is that it is all well and good having a ban if the children are over 40 per cent of the audience, but there is an issue around programmes like The X Factor where the proportion of children is small but the number is quite large. What Alan wants is to talk to parents about the best way to tighten up advertising."

Mr Johnson is also expected to order Britain's food standards watchdog to conduct an urgent review into whether trans-fats should be banned amid evidence that they raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.

The proposals come as new research this week from experts led by Sir David King, the Government's chief scientific adviser, warns that the health service and public transport will find it hard to cope with the sharp rise in obese children and adults.

His report is expected to warn that unless urgent preventative steps are taken, half of all UK adults will be obese by 2050. The increase would leave hospitals and doctors' surgeries hard-pressed to cope with an expected rise in heart disease, diabetes and cancer, and could stretch health budgets close to breaking point.

The report is expected to recommend a focus on prevention and planning, including more open spaces, cycle lanes and walking routes in cities to encourage people to exercise.

Mr Johnson warned: "We cannot afford not to act. For the first time we are clear about the magnitude of the problem. We are facing a potential crisis on the scale of climate change and it is in everybody's interest to turn things round. We will succeed only if the problem is recognised, owned and addressed at every level in every part of society."

To have your say on this or any other issue visit www.independent.co.uk/IoSblogs

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in