'Obesity is becoming the new normal' - a warning as the food industry is challenged to cut calories
The Government is calling on food bosses to change recipes and portion sizes in the next six years
Plans to drastically cut calorie consumption have been unveiled by health bosses, amid fears obesity is now becoming the 'new norm'.
Public Health England has unveiled a new strategy to stamp out childhood and adult obesity.
It includes:
- New evidence highlighting overweight or obese boys and girls consume up to 500 and 290 calories too many each day respectively.
- A challenge to the food industry to reduce calories in products consumed by families by 20% by 2024
- The launch of the latest One You campaign, encouraging adults to consume 400 calories at breakfast and 600 at lunch and dinner. This comes as adults consume 200 - 300 calories in excess each day.
Duncan Selbie, Chief Executive of PHE, said:
“The simple truth is on average we need to eat less. Children and adults routinely eat too many calories and it’s why so many are overweight or obese.
“Industry can help families by finding innovative ways to lower the calories in the food we all enjoy, and promoting UK business leadership on the world stage in tackling obesity.”
The latest One You campaign aims to support people to be more calorie-aware when they are out and about with its simple tip 400-600-600 – aim for 400 calories at breakfast, and 600 for lunch and dinner.
Major high-street brands are partnering with PHE on the campaign, signposting to meals that meet the 400-600-600 tip. Total daily calorie intake recommendations remain at 2000 for women and 2500 for men