Think Tank Calls for Promotions of Healthy Food to Tackle Obesity
Nan Zhang
18/03/24
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The Scottish government has been urged to put forward a comprehensive package of restrictions on food and drinks high in fat, salt or sugar (HFSS) as well as to promote healthy products.
Obesity Action Scotland is a think tank formed by experts at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons Glasgow. Jennifer Forsyth, its interim programme lead told Blether magazine: “We now need to see bold and urgent action from the Scottish Government to make this vital policy a reality to improve the health of our population.”
Last month, the Scottish Government made proposals to restrict the promotion of HFSS, including putting limits on multi-buys, unlimited refills, temporary price reductions and meal deals.
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​This is a part of the government’s action to tackle the obesity crisis. Jenni Minto, Public Health Minister stated, “Improving health and supporting people to eat well and have a healthy weight is a public health priority. We need to address the high levels of excess weight, obesity and poor diet we know are contributing to worsening trends in Scotland’s health.”
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Jennifer Forsyth commented, “We would like the restrictions to be a comprehensive package, including as many types of price and location promotions as possible. We really need to change the food environment so that people who have obesity, and those who have lost weight and don’t want to regain the weight they have lost, have a good choice of foods, readily available to them – in products and offers that help to prevent weight gain.”
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“We would like to see a shift in promotions towards healthy products, to ensure healthy food is affordable and easily accessible for everyone.”
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According to data from Obesity Action Scotland, 67% of Scottish adults are now overweight or living with obesity, and a third of Scottish children are at risk of the same conditions, the highest level recorded since 2011.
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Jennifer Forsyth added, “Failure to act now will only worsen this situation and will cause significant long-term costs to individuals, our society, health service, and the economy. This isn’t just an issue for politicians and health advocates – businesses have to play their part, and such restrictions on promotions create a level playing field for food retailers.”