Menu
14/10/2011
Gov Obesity Plan 'Patronising Rubbish' – Jamie Oliver
TV chef Jamie Oliver has called the Government's plan to reduce obesity crisis "worthless, regurgitated, patronising rubbish".
On Thursday, the Government published plans to cut "five billion calories" from the daily diets in an attempt to tackle the UK's obesity rate, which is one of the highest in Europe.
Announcing his obesity 'Call to Action' plan, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said he would speak to 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.
However, on Friday, the celebrity chef and food health campaigner said he was unimpressed with the measures calling it a "cop-out" and saying he was "upset and let down" by the plan.
Jamie said: "Simply telling people what they already know - that they need to eat less and move more - is a complete cop out. The country's bill of health is shocking, and it's not going to get any better over the next 30 years if a clearly defined plan isn't put into place soon.
"We simply can't afford the financial or health costs of doing nothing. This Government might be able to navigate us slowly out of a recession, but it has no clue about how to make sustainable change in the short or long term, or how to inspire, enforce or empower public health."
Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies backed the Government's initial proposals calling 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.
Thursday's announcement followed 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.
(DW/CD)
On Thursday, the Government published plans to cut "five billion calories" from the daily diets in an attempt to tackle the UK's obesity rate, which is one of the highest in Europe.
Announcing his obesity 'Call to Action' plan, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said he would speak to 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.
However, on Friday, the celebrity chef and food health campaigner said he was unimpressed with the measures calling it a "cop-out" and saying he was "upset and let down" by the plan.
Jamie said: "Simply telling people what they already know - that they need to eat less and move more - is a complete cop out. The country's bill of health is shocking, and it's not going to get any better over the next 30 years if a clearly defined plan isn't put into place soon.
"We simply can't afford the financial or health costs of doing nothing. This Government might be able to navigate us slowly out of a recession, but it has no clue about how to make sustainable change in the short or long term, or how to inspire, enforce or empower public health."
Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies backed the Government's initial proposals calling 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.
Thursday's announcement followed 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.
(DW/CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 September 2008
Obesity Plan Presented
Leading Scottish medical professionals have put forward a five point plan to tackle the growing problem of obesity. In advance of a debate on obesity in the Scottish Parliament today, BMA Scotland has called on politicians to take action on childhood obesity.
Obesity Plan Presented
Leading Scottish medical professionals have put forward a five point plan to tackle the growing problem of obesity. In advance of a debate on obesity in the Scottish Parliament today, BMA Scotland has called on politicians to take action on childhood obesity.
04 May 2006
Health staff encouraged to help patients lose weight
The government has unveiled a number of new practical tools for GPs and other health professionals to help patients lose weight and improve their health. For the first time, GPs and other healthcare workers are being given specific tools to help identify and treat children, young people and adults who are overweight or obese.
Health staff encouraged to help patients lose weight
The government has unveiled a number of new practical tools for GPs and other health professionals to help patients lose weight and improve their health. For the first time, GPs and other healthcare workers are being given specific tools to help identify and treat children, young people and adults who are overweight or obese.
27 May 2004
'Devastating threat' of obesity must be tackled, says report
With three-quarters of the UK's adult population now overweight or obese, a comprehensive raft of measures are needed to combat the "devastating threat" to the nation’s health posed by obesity, the Commons health committee has said.
'Devastating threat' of obesity must be tackled, says report
With three-quarters of the UK's adult population now overweight or obese, a comprehensive raft of measures are needed to combat the "devastating threat" to the nation’s health posed by obesity, the Commons health committee has said.
10 February 2005
School dinner standards back on the menu
The government has placed school dinners back on the agenda today, launching a campaign to improve the quality of meals in British schools.
School dinner standards back on the menu
The government has placed school dinners back on the agenda today, launching a campaign to improve the quality of meals in British schools.
28 February 2006
Government's child obesity target 'may not be met'
The government's target to halt the rise of child obesity by 2010 may not be met unless there is "clearer leadership", a report has warned. The incidence of childhood obesity increased from 9.6% in 1995 to 13.7% in 2003.
Government's child obesity target 'may not be met'
The government's target to halt the rise of child obesity by 2010 may not be met unless there is "clearer leadership", a report has warned. The incidence of childhood obesity increased from 9.6% in 1995 to 13.7% in 2003.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:All parts will have a dry day. A lot of cloud expected through the day. A little brightness breaking through at times along the coast. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:This evening will be dry. The rest of the night will remain dry with variable amounts of cloud and some clear periods. Light southwesterly winds. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
