Responding to the Health and Social Care Committee Report: Food and Weight Management: Fixing the food environment,
Professor David Strain, chair of the BMA board of science and Dr Heather Grimbaldeston, chair of the BMA public health medicine committee said:
"This report is a welcome acknowledgement of something doctors have been saying for years: we all live in a food environment where unhealthy choices are often the easiest, cheapest and most heavily promoted. Every day doctors see the consequences in rising rates of obesity and the growing number of patients living with conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers.
"The Committee is right to recognise the disproportionate influence that the food industry has had over public health policy. Time and again, evidence-based measures such as restrictions on junk food advertising and limits on multibuy promotions for unhealthy foods have been delayed, watered down or abandoned following industry pressure. Meanwhile, doctors, public health experts and families are left dealing with the consequences.
"We also welcome the report's recognition of the vital role that public health consultants play in tackling the wider environmental and societal factors that drive obesity. Their expertise is essential in working across communities and local systems to improve health and reduce inequalities.
"This report also echoes the concerns highlighted in this week's Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health report on children's health, which showed how the environments children grow up in continue to shape their health and life chances. Together, these reports reinforce the urgent need for government to take stronger action to create healthier environments for children and families.
"We hope this marks a turning point. Government must now stand firm against vested interests and follow the evidence, implementing policies that make healthy food more affordable, accessible and appealing, rather than continuing to prioritise the interests of large food corporations. If we are serious about tackling obesity and improving the nation's health, public health must come before profit."
Ends.
Notes to editors
The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.