A new report published today by the BMA, Improving the nation’s health: the impact of ultra-processed food, highlights that the UK’s current approach to regulating, producing, marketing, and distributing food is failing to protect public health. Ultra-processed foods are industrially manufactured products containing ingredients and additives rarely found in home cooking and are typically low in nutrients.
 
The report paints a concerning picture of children’s diets. On average, 66% of children’s daily energy intake comes from ultra-processed foods, and over 70% of school lunches, whether prepared at home or at school, are made up of these products. These dietary patterns are contributing to rising rates of overweight and obesity, with over 35% of 10–11-year-olds and 64% of adults in England classified as overweight or obese. Doctors warn that this is driving increases in type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other preventable conditions, while adding to the strain on the NHS.
 
Professor David Strain, BMA Board of Science Chair, and Dr Heather Grimbaldeston, BMA Public Health Medicine Committee Chair, said:
 
“Every day, doctors see the preventable impact of poor diets on children and young people. Ultra-processed foods dominate what children eat, fuelling rising obesity rates and other serious health problems, placing enormous pressure on the NHS, while a small number of major food companies account for the vast majority of junk food advertising children see on TV.
 
“Relying on voluntary measures has failed, and responsibility cannot be placed solely on families when unhealthy food is so heavily promoted and long promised protections for children have been repeatedly delayed. While we welcome the recent implementation of some mandatory TV and online advertising restrictions, these do not go far enough. The Government must go further to regulate the marketing and availability of unhealthy foods, while ensuring healthier, minimally processed foods are accessible and affordable for all.
 
“Stronger regulation must be combined with public education about what a healthy diet looks like and continued investment in high-quality research. Without urgent action, unhealthy diets will continue to make children unnecessarily ill, widen health inequalities, and add further pressure to an overstretched NHS.”
 
Dr Kath McCullough, Royal College of Physicians special adviser on obesity, said:
 
“Today’s report from the BMA reinforces what physicians across the UK are seeing every day, that unhealthy diets and the environments that shape them are driving preventable illness at an alarming rate. The Royal College of Physicians is clear that obesity is a chronic, systemic illness shaped by social and commercial determinants of health and that we need bold action to fix our broken food system. We strongly support the calls for decisive regulation to curb aggressive marketing of foods high in fat, salt and sugar on television, online and on billboards (particularly near schools), to expand access to healthier foods, and ensure equitable access to effective weight management support. Medication or clinical care alone will not be enough. Government must act urgently to reshape the food environment to make healthy choices the easy choice for everyone.”

Ends

Notes to editors

The full report can be found here.

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. 

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