A new survey by the Obesity Health Alliance (OHA), a coalition of charities and health groups including Diabetes UK, Cancer Research UK, and the British Medical Association, has found that eight of out 10 adults support a ban on advertising unhealthy food to children on both TV and online. The survey of over 2,000 people also found that 68% would support a tax on unhealthy foods to fund children’s health programmes. In addition, 79% of respondents believe that the government should be doing more to make healthy food affordable during the current cost-of-living crisis. Only in December, the UK government was criticised by campaigners for delaying a proposed junk food advertising ban before 9pm.
The OHA is calling for increased government action on obesity to avoid growing health inequalities and increasing pressure on the NHS. It will present manifesto letters on child health to MPs from the Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats prior to the next general election. Other figures from the survey suggest that 60% of adults believe that unhealthy food advertising affects purchasing, while 58% would support reductions in unhealthy outlets under planning laws. Two-thirds of respondents would like councils to limit unhealthy food advertising in outdoor spaces and three-quarters would like such advertising restricted near locations such as schools.The OHA was formed in 2015 and attempts to “bring together Britain’s leading charities, medical royal colleges and campaign groups with expertise in fighting obesity,” in order to influence decision-makers and the public.
