A childhood spent surrounded by fast food outlets and billboards promoting junk food has become a norm in many parts of the UK. A recent report from the Commons Health Committee reveals that despite efforts made since 1992, nearly two-thirds of adults and 28% of 13- to 15-year-olds in England are now classified as overweight or obese.
The committee, led by Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran, points out that previous initiatives have failed to tackle the root cause of the issue – constant exposure to unhealthy food promotions. They urge ministers to take decisive action against the "constant bombardment" of advertising and promotions we see daily, which significantly contributes to our unhealthy eating habits.
The report highlights a key factor in the problem: the placement of fast food outlets near schools. Current national planning policy frameworks contain 'loopholes' that allow takeaway businesses to be classified as restaurants, enabling them to bypass local restrictions. The committee recommends granting local councils enhanced powers to prevent new fast food takeaways from establishing near schools, citing Gateshead Council's 2015 initiative as an example of successful action.
However, the report also notes that efforts to restrict fast food outlets have been challenged by companies like KFC in over half of the 43 legal cases taken on this issue. Furthermore, it highlights the significant economic burden of obesity – estimated at £74 billion per year for the UK – and argues that urgent action is needed to prevent future generations from facing these same problems.
The committee's recommendations also include a comprehensive approach to limiting children's exposure to unhealthy food advertising. They propose outlawing all outdoor advertising of unhealthy foods, citing the estimated £680 million spent annually on such promotions. This has drawn criticism from the Advertising Association, which disputes the impact of advertising on obesity and BMI.
Other suggestions made by the committee include compelling supermarkets to prominently display healthier options near entrances and checkouts, as well as introducing mandatory 'traffic light' labelling on all food products to help consumers make informed choices. The report serves as a stark reminder that addressing the UK's obesity epidemic will require concerted effort from governments, businesses, and individuals alike.