Levels of obesity across the UK are too high. About 1 in 10 children are obese as they start school, and this doubles by year 6. Obesity rates are also twice as high in the most deprived areas compared to the least. UK’s food and drink manufacturers are committed to supporting the UK Government’s ambition to halve childhood obesity by 2030.
FDF members demonstrate their commitment by investing in reformulation and healthier options; offering appropriate portion size options; and providing clear labelling. To help us, we need governments to use a proportionate, evidence-based policy framework. This must avoid costly new regulatory barriers or restrictions that threaten future investments and the launch of the very products we are being encouraged to make.
England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all have plans to tackle obesity. We work with all the administrations, responding to key consultations and advising on how food manufacturers can help governments to tackle this problem.
The Department of Health and Social care (DHSC) has announced £100 million of government support to help those living with obesity to lose weight as part of the obesity strategy announced in July 2020. This includes the establishment of an obesity taskforce, spearheaded by Sir Keith Mills. Sir Keith will support the Government to develop innovative approaches with public and private partners that use incentives to help people make healthier choices.
Over £70 million will be invested into weight management services such as digital apps, weight management groups, individual coaches and specialist clinical support. The remaining £30 million will fund initiatives to help people maintain a healthy weight and upskill healthcare professionals to support families with children lead healthy lives.
The FDF shared the following media statement
Public Health England (PHE) has published the results of an England-wide survey of over 5,000 people. The survey showed that 80% of adults, aged over 18, have decided to make healthier changes to their lifestyles in 2021. 7 in 10 adults have said that coronavirus has motivated them to make healthier lifestyle changes.
PHE has launched a ‘Better Health new year’ campaign to support the public in making these changes. The press release can be found here.
Do you know a Registered Dietitian or Nutritionist who has made an exceptional contribution to the food and drink sector?
Nominate them for the FDF Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist of the Year award before 28 February 2021, for your chance to win. It’s completely free to enter!
Has your company made a significant contribution to improve the health of its customers?
Enter in the FDF Awards - Diet and Health category before 28 February 2021, for your chance to win. It’s completely free to enter!
Ulrick & Short are working alongside the Food and Drink Federation Scotland's Reformulation for Health programme to provide ingredient solutions for healthy reformulations of bakery and meat products.
89% of Scots have at least one health goal and are actively seeking healthier food according to research by Food and drink Federation (FDF) Scotland with Levercliff.
The FDF has prepared a response as we expect the publication of the National Food Strategy Interim Report.
Want to keep up to date on this topic?
You can receive email updates on this topic by registering for an FDF account.
You can edit your preferences so that you receive updates on the topics and the type of information you are interested in.
FDF members have access to a range of benefits to grow, protect and strengthen their business.
Gain an advantage, join FDF today.
The FDF believes food and drink promotions bring varied and significant benefits to consumers, retailers and manufacturers.
All sectors of the food industry have a role to support a transition towards more sustainable healthy diets. The FDF is working with members to consider what this means for food and drink manufacturers.
Reformulation, new product development and portion sizing are key actions for food and drink manufactures in the fight against obesity.
12 December 2018
This report summarises our continuing commitment to diet and health policy issues. It sets out examples of the great work that is going on in that field in countries across the UK. It is a record of real achievement and one of which we are all enormously proud.
Read more
