Doctors chief warns Scottish Government not to 'take a step back' on obesity

A leading doctor is urging the Scottish Government to bring in tough restrictions in an effort to battle the country's weight problem.

Dr Lewis Morrison, chair of British Medical Association Scotland, is speaking as ministers have been holding a consultation on plans to improve Scots' diets.

Nearly a third of Scottish adults are classed as obese, and around two thirds overweight.

The Scottish Government is looking at things like restricting multi-buy deals on foods which are high in fat, salt or sugar.

But BMA Scotland is calling for any measures to go further, and is calling for:

• Mandatory action to restrict promotions and marketing of unhealthy diets
• Comprehensive restrictions on price promotions like multi-buy offers - without any exceptions
• A ban on so-called 'diet' drinks to be considered, when they aren't any healthier than standard options
• 'Mandatory reformultation requirements' - where a product's ingredients are changed to reduce high quantities of salt, sugar or fat
• Applying any restrictions online, as well as in shops

Dr Morrison said: "To improve the health of Scotland’s population we simply must not take a step back in the battle to reduce consumption of unhealthy foods that are high in fat, sugar or salt.

“While the willingness to take action is welcome – these proposals need to be strengthened to be truly effective.

"Now is not the time for any watering down of the ambition previously shown.

“Obesity fuelled by unhealthy diets, especially when coupled with an inactive lifestyle, is associated with a range of adverse health consequences including increased risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, type II diabetes and poor dental health.

“This is clearly fundamentally bad for those who suffer from these conditions, but it also places a massive burden on our health service – which is already overstretched.

"This is only set to get worse unless bold steps across a range of issues are taken – in particular to reduce the promotion and discounting of foods high in fat, sugar or salt.

“Sales promotions are routinely deployed by retailers to encourage consumers to purchase products and are disproportionately used to promote unhealthy food and drink.

"Their eye-catching nature also contributes to in-store environments that favour unhealthy dietary behaviour by drawing additional attention to such products.

“On this basis it is clear that mandatory and comprehensive action is needed to help improve diets and reduce consumption of unhealthy products.

"Of course encouraging personal responsibility and education on how to eat healthily is also important, but it will not be enough unless bold, strong action on promotion and price is taken as well.

"We hope the Scottish Government will listen to the proposals put forward and ensure the resulting policies make the difference that is clearly vital for the health of our nation for generations to come.”

However - representatives from the food industry have spoken out against some of the measures, suggesting they could cost firms millions of pounds.