The United Kingdom has implemented a nationwide ban on junk food advertising on television and online as part of new measures aimed at tackling the growing problem of childhood obesity.
Under the regulations, food and drink classified as high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) can no longer be advertised on television before 9 pm, nor promoted through paid online advertising at any time. The Department of Health said the move is designed to significantly reduce children’s exposure to unhealthy food marketing.
In a statement, the department said the policy is expected to remove up to 7.2 billion calories from children’s diets each year, reduce the number of children living with obesity by around 20,000, and deliver approximately £2 billion in long-term health benefits.
Official figures show that 22.1 percent of children in England are living with overweight or obesity at the start of primary school, rising to 35.8 percent by the time they leave.
Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton said the restrictions will help create a healthier food environment and make it easier for families to choose nutritious options.
Health organisations welcomed the decision. Katharine Jenner, executive director of the Obesity Health Alliance, said the ban would finally protect children from the most harmful junk food advertising.
Colette Marshall, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said improving children’s health has never been more urgent, warning that obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes and can lead to serious long-term health complications.
source: AA
