Hull charity backs new calorie initiative to tackle child obesity
Public Health England are set to unveil a new plan to try and reduce the number of calories kids in our region eat
Recipes and portion sizes have to change to stop kids in Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire from becoming overweight.
That's according to a new calorie counting initiative from Public Health England (PHE) - it's part of an effort to tackle rising obesity levels.
The public health body want to see the food industry change the recipe of its products, reduce portion sizes and encourage consumers to purchase lower calorie products.
They say the effort will be focused around pizzas, ready meals, ready-made sandwiches, meat products and savoury snacks.
If calories in family products are reduced by 20%, PHE say more than 35,000 premature deaths could be prevented and around ÂŁ9 billion in NHS healthcare and social care costs could be saved, over a 25 year period.
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.”
Louisa Ingleson is project leader for Food Activity Balance at ABL Health in Hull. She said:
“Parents and children need to be educated about food – about portion sizes, about how much sugar is in drinks and snacks. They should also look at bedtime routines and healthy cooking – I really think it’s something that needs to be out there.
“I don’t think it’s easily fixed and I don’t think it ever will be, but if we arm people with knowledge, that’s the best thing we can do at the moment.
“We obviously need to look at supermarkets and how things are laid out, how supermarkets sell food – but that’ll be something that comes in time.”
Graham MacGregor, Chairman of Action on Sugar, said:
"We applaud PHE’s plans to reformulate and cut excess calories consumption in what could be a groundbreaking campaign.
“However, in order for it to be successful, it is imperative that the 20% calorie reduction targets are properly enforced and transparent.
“We also need clear guidance from Government on what will happen if the food industry fails to comply, as it is vital that the industry is given a level-playing field.