A brand new research has urged the UK government to impose higher taxes on junk food in a way to deal with obesity in the country. A report by the Social Market Foundation (SMF) has called upon the Boris Johnson-led government to impose restrictions on the marketing of junk food as part of its obesity strategy, improved food and drink labelling and an expansion of NHS weight management services.
A study conducted by the think tank revealed only 28 per cent people who describe themselves as living with obesity were taking steps to lose weight due to Covid-19. The report said that while this is higher than the 20 per cent of the general population, it “still indicates that government messages in overweight and Covid-19 have done little to help people with obesity address their condition.” Thirty seven per cent of those living with obesity report they are thinking of taking measures, but have not taken steps yet, while 28 per cent reported the ongoing pandemic would not lead them to lose weight.
SMF research director Scott Corfe said, “Warnings about Covid-19 risks and obesity are well-meaning but largely ineffective, they just aren't enough to help people living with obesity and overweight take action on their weight.” The SMF has called on the government to undertake a “cost-benefit analysis” to set a target for the proportion of the population with obesity that would benefit from bariatric surgery and pharmacological interventions. The think tank said there is a lack of detail around “how and if the funding that is necessary to reduce obesity” will be provided.
SMF said ministers placed too much emphasis on “individual willpower and not enough on the environmental and economic aspects of obesity.” It said, “The government should make clear that weight basis and obesity discrimination have no place in education or workplaces.”
