THE National Obesity Forum (NOF) warmly welcomes the publication of today’s cross-departmental obesity strategy. It is a comprehensive approach that for the first time sets out an overarching framework for action across a broad front, and so has potential to help to combat the multiple and complex factors that have contributed to current obesity and overweight levels, particularly amongst children and young people.  We believe that this strategy, supported by investment and backed by a serious commitment to monitor and evaluate progress, is the right way forward, though the NOF is disappointed that legislation to protect children against advertising of nutritionally-dense food has not been strengthened and the issue of food labelling has not been resolved. 

 

Prevention should, of course, be a high priority and the proof of the current strategy will be in future levels of obesity and overweight. The measures outlined in today’s strategy will, hopefully, encourage a downturn and perhaps a serious decline in obesity and overweight levels but this will not be apparent for some time. Meanwhile, it is important that treatment and funding for management programmes for those already overweight and obese are not sidelined. Obesity and its co-morbidities are serious chronic medical problems that require appropriate professional treatment and management.

• The cross-government strategy is published on the Department of Health’s website
• It contains five key elements: Healthy growth and development of children, promoting healthier food choices, building physical activity into our lives, incentives for better health and personalised advice and support.