New government strategy on childhood obesity announced

The government has unveiled its new plans for tackling the burden of childhood obesity over the next decade. Entitled Childhood Obesity: A Plan for Action, the document outlines a number of measures that will be implemented over the next few years to reduce the healthcare burden that excess weight in youngsters can cause, as well as the economic costs. However, the plans have come under fire from medical professionals for not going far enough. Key points of the strategy The strategy revolves around a number of key points:A new levy on the soft drinks industry is to be introduced, with proceeds generated by the levy to be invested into programmes to reduce obesity and encourage physical activity and balanced diets for school-age children.The food and drink industry will be challenged to reduce overall sugar across several products contributing to children's sugar intakes by five per cent in the next year, with the aim of a 20 per cent reduction by 2020.Primary schools will be called upon to help children get at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day, while parents and carers will be asked to ensure children get the same amount at home.Funding support will be offered to companies researching ways of making their products healthier.More healthy food options will be made available in schools and via the public sector.A new voluntary healthy rating scheme will be introduced for primary schools to recognise and encourage their contribution to preventing obesity Cleare...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news