S08012                                                                                          23 January 2008

GOVERNMENT TAKES OBESITY THREAT SERIOUSLY

Stafford’s Labour MP David Kidney was in the House of Commons today to welcome Health Secretary Alan Johnson’s launch of the Government’s new obesity strategy. David Kidney says the strategy is genuinely cross-Government with the full support of the Departments responsible for education, health and sport:

“Public Health professionals are warning us of a huge increase in obesity unless we act decisively now. It is up to all of us as individuals to adopt a healthy diet and regular exercise if we wish to avoid being seriously over-weight later. Obesity brings with it reduced life expectancy with the risk that enjoyment of that shorter life will be marred by conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

“The role of Government is to ensure that people have the accurate information that enables them to choose a healthy life. Some people will also need motivating to do the right thing. Some of us hold positions where we can influence public debate and do something to make it easy for people to choose healthy eating and regular exercise. I personally shall do all I can to support the new strategy.”

In the UK, nearly a quarter of adults and nearly a fifth of children are obese after sharp increases in the last decade. Experts predict that 60% of men, 50% of women and 25% of children could be obese by 2050 if action is not taken. The main measures are:

* Identify at-risk families and offer early support and advice
* Compulsory cooking lessons for children
* More sport for children.
* £75m healthy living marketing campaign aimed at parents
* A universal food labelling system and to reduce portion sizes of fatty or salty foods
* A review of junk food ad rules
* Limit fast-food outlets near schools and parks
* Incentives to encourage weight-loss
* Personal support via the NHS Choices website and more weight management services

In the House of Commons David Kidney asked the Secretary of State to promote breastfeeding as well, and he agreed that his Department will do so.