Gov To Fight UK's Obesity Levels

The Government has announced plans to cut 'five billion calories' from the nation's daily diet in an attempt to tackle obesity, according to the Department of Health today.

The obesity 'Call to Action' plan announced by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley, will involve businesses, Government and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), to support healthier choices by the public and contribute to a downward trend in excess weight by 2020.

Backing the move, Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies called for everyone to be "more honest with themselves about their eating and drinking habits" urging the majority of adults and many children to "eat and drink less".

England has one of the highest rates of obesity in Europe and some of the highest rates in the developed world. Over 60% of adults and a third of 10 and 11 year olds are overweight or obese.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: “We have to halt and then reverse the tide of obesity in this country. Government has a role to play, but it is clear that we cannot do this alone. We need to work in a broad partnership with local authorities, businesses, charities, health professionals and individuals.

“We have already seen how we can move further, faster through the Responsibility Deal and I am now challenging business to help us make even greater progress. Reducing the number of calories we consume is essential."

Thursday's announcement follows comments at the Conservative Party Conference by Prime Minister David Cameron on the possible introduction of a 'fat tax', to reverse the rising level of obesity and healthcare costs.

Mr Cameron's comments came as Denmark introduced a tax on foods that contain more than 2.3% saturated fat including meats, cheese, butter, edible oils, margarine and other spreads, and processed foods.

In a statement from the Department of Health there was no mention of the controversial 'fat tax', however a number of other plans were outlined including assistance for the food and drink industry to extend and intensify their efforts to help people make healthier choices. The Government said it would also continue investment in Change4Life programme and give local authorities to use new powers and ring fence a public health budget to make a difference in communities

Meanwhile, the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) has published more precise data about the number of calories we all need. They advise that on average men should eat 2605 calories and women should eat 2079 calories each day.

(DW)