Plan to fight obesity crisis is doomed to fail as too much junk food is available, ministers warned 

Policies to tackle the obesity crisis are likely to fail because the public are bombarded with unhealthy food options, ministers have been warned.

A 28-page report, commissioned by the Government’s obesity research unit, says measures such as advertising restrictions do not go far enough.

Dieters face an uphill task because unhealthy food is easily accessible and sold so cheaply, according to the National Institute for Health Research.

Policies to tackle the obesity crisis are likely to fail because the public are bombarded with unhealthy food options, ministers have been warned (file photo used)

Curbs on the promotion of unhealthy food and drink in retail outlets and online were announced a year ago and come into force in April.

Plans are also in motion for a 9pm advertising watershed on TV.

The review by London’s City University found that easy access to unhealthy food 24 hours a day made losing weight difficult.

It also found that people were met everywhere with promotions of food high in fat, salt or sugar.

Those trying to lose weight or maintain a weight must avoid parts of the ‘food environment’ – including a party, work canteen and certain store aisles.

For people on a low income the relatively lower cost of junk food, and frequent offers and promotions, made retaining a good weight or losing weight ‘particularly difficult’.

One in three adults are overweight or obese in Britain – one of the highest obesity rates in Europe. The NHS currently spends £6billion a year treating obesity-related illnesses.

One in three adults are overweight or obese in Britain and the NHS currently spends £6billion a year treating obesity-related illnesses (file photo used)

Lead author of the review, Kimberley Neve, told The Guardian: ‘This review highlights not only how difficult it is to lose weight in Britain, and keep it off, but also that it’s not just about willpower or self-control.

‘Even people trying really hard are thwarted in their efforts by unhealthy food options everywhere – they’re easy to find, cheap to buy, quick and appealing.’

She said dieters should be supported to make healthier choices through major changes to the wider food industry.

A spokesman for the Department of Health said: ‘We are introducing mandatory calorie labelling in large restaurants, cafes and takeaways, restricting advertising of foods high in fat, salt and sugar being shown on TV before 9pm and in paid-for advertising online, as well as restricting less healthy food promotions.

‘Additionally we have invested £70million into adult weight management services made available through the NHS and councils so that people living with obesity have access to support.’ 

WHAT SHOULD A BALANCED DIET LOOK LIKE?

Meals should be based on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, ideally wholegrain, according to the NHS

• Eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day. All fresh, frozen, dried and canned fruit and vegetables count

• Base meals on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, ideally wholegrain

• 30 grams of fibre a day: This is the same as eating all of the following: 5 portions of fruit and vegetables, 2 whole-wheat cereal biscuits, 2 thick slices of wholemeal bread and large baked potato with the skin on

• Have some dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soya drinks) choosing lower fat and lower sugar options

• Eat some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins (including 2 portions of fish every week, one of which should be oily)

• Choose unsaturated oils and spreads and consuming in small amounts

• Drink 6-8 cups/glasses of water a day

• Adults should have less than 6g of salt and 20g of saturated fat for women or 30g for men a day

Source: NHS Eatwell Guide