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14/10/2011
Gov Obesity Plan 'Patronising Rubbish' – Jamie Oliver
TV chef Jamie Oliver has called the Government's plan to reduce obesity crisis "worthless, regurgitated, patronising rubbish".
On Thursday, the Government published plans to cut "five billion calories" from the daily diets in an attempt to tackle the UK's obesity rate, which is one of the highest in Europe.
Announcing his obesity 'Call to Action' plan, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said he would speak to businesses, Government and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), to support "healthier choices by the public" and contribute to a downward trend in excess weight by 2020.
However, on Friday, the celebrity chef and food health campaigner said he was unimpressed with the measures calling it a "cop-out" and saying he was "upset and let down" by the plan.
Jamie said: "Simply telling people what they already know - that they need to eat less and move more - is a complete cop out. The country's bill of health is shocking, and it's not going to get any better over the next 30 years if a clearly defined plan isn't put into place soon.
"We simply can't afford the financial or health costs of doing nothing. This Government might be able to navigate us slowly out of a recession, but it has no clue about how to make sustainable change in the short or long term, or how to inspire, enforce or empower public health."
Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies backed the Government's initial proposals calling for everyone to be "more honest with themselves about their eating and drinking habits" urging the majority of adults and many children to "eat and drink less".
England has one of the highest rates of obesity in Europe and some of the highest rates in the developed world. Over 60% of adults and a third of 10 and 11 year olds are overweight or obese.
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: “We have to halt and then reverse the tide of obesity in this country. Government has a role to play, but it is clear that we cannot do this alone. We need to work in a broad partnership with local authorities, businesses, charities, health professionals and individuals.
Thursday's announcement followed comments at the Conservative Party Conference by Prime Minister David Cameron on the possible introduction of a 'fat tax', to reverse the rising level of obesity and healthcare costs.
Mr Cameron's comments came as Denmark introduced a tax on foods that contain more than 2.3% saturated fat including meats, cheese, butter, edible oils, margarine and other spreads, and processed foods.
(DW/CD)
On Thursday, the Government published plans to cut "five billion calories" from the daily diets in an attempt to tackle the UK's obesity rate, which is one of the highest in Europe.
Announcing his obesity 'Call to Action' plan, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said he would speak to businesses, Government and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), to support "healthier choices by the public" and contribute to a downward trend in excess weight by 2020.
However, on Friday, the celebrity chef and food health campaigner said he was unimpressed with the measures calling it a "cop-out" and saying he was "upset and let down" by the plan.
Jamie said: "Simply telling people what they already know - that they need to eat less and move more - is a complete cop out. The country's bill of health is shocking, and it's not going to get any better over the next 30 years if a clearly defined plan isn't put into place soon.
"We simply can't afford the financial or health costs of doing nothing. This Government might be able to navigate us slowly out of a recession, but it has no clue about how to make sustainable change in the short or long term, or how to inspire, enforce or empower public health."
Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies backed the Government's initial proposals calling for everyone to be "more honest with themselves about their eating and drinking habits" urging the majority of adults and many children to "eat and drink less".
England has one of the highest rates of obesity in Europe and some of the highest rates in the developed world. Over 60% of adults and a third of 10 and 11 year olds are overweight or obese.
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: “We have to halt and then reverse the tide of obesity in this country. Government has a role to play, but it is clear that we cannot do this alone. We need to work in a broad partnership with local authorities, businesses, charities, health professionals and individuals.
Thursday's announcement followed comments at the Conservative Party Conference by Prime Minister David Cameron on the possible introduction of a 'fat tax', to reverse the rising level of obesity and healthcare costs.
Mr Cameron's comments came as Denmark introduced a tax on foods that contain more than 2.3% saturated fat including meats, cheese, butter, edible oils, margarine and other spreads, and processed foods.
(DW/CD)
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10 February 2005
School dinner standards back on the menu
The government has placed school dinners back on the agenda today, launching a campaign to improve the quality of meals in British schools.
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27 May 2004
'Devastating threat' of obesity must be tackled, says report
With three-quarters of the UK's adult population now overweight or obese, a comprehensive raft of measures are needed to combat the "devastating threat" to the nation’s health posed by obesity, the Commons health committee has said.
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05 March 2014
England To Introduce 'Sugar Tax'
The chief medical officer for England has warned that a "sugar tax" may be needed to tackle obesity problems, which are becoming normal for citizens. Professor Dame Sally Davies said the Government should intervene to tackle obesity by regulating the food and drinks industry to protect against the dangers of the excess of calories.
England To Introduce 'Sugar Tax'
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04 September 2008
Obesity Plan Presented
Leading Scottish medical professionals have put forward a five point plan to tackle the growing problem of obesity. In advance of a debate on obesity in the Scottish Parliament today, BMA Scotland has called on politicians to take action on childhood obesity.
Obesity Plan Presented
Leading Scottish medical professionals have put forward a five point plan to tackle the growing problem of obesity. In advance of a debate on obesity in the Scottish Parliament today, BMA Scotland has called on politicians to take action on childhood obesity.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
