Ministers secretly abandon target to prevent a million kids becoming obese in next decade
Plans for 800,000 fewer obese children in 2026 were dramatically dropped
MINISTERS have secretly abandoned a key target to prevent nearly a million kids becoming obese in the next decade.
Specific plans for 800,000 fewer obese children in 2026 were dramatically dropped causing fury among campaigners.
A draft version of the plan stated it was a Whitehall “aim” to stop the youngsters piling on the pounds - with currently one third of 2-15 year olds overweight or obese.
But the childhood obesity strategy published last week only states that the action plan would only “significantly reduce” obesity if current trends continue.
It fails to give a precise figure stating it would mean “fewer” obese children in 2026.
The revelation comes after experts blasted the government for “watering down” the strategy.
Restrictions on advertising and promotional deals on junk food were abandoned with concerns about a faltering economy.
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Supermarkets and manufacturers have been asked to voluntarily cut the amount of sugar in their products by 20 per cent.
Graham MacGregor, professor of cardiovascular medicine at the Wolfson Institute, Queen Mary College, University of London, said the plan had “no teeth”.
He said: “This is a pathetic plan that even the government admits will have very little effect on preventing obesity in children and Type 2 diabetes.
“This plan needs to be incredibly strengthened otherwise it could bankrupt the NHS.”
Public health nutritionist and Action on Sugar campaign chief Jenny Rosborough slammed Theresa May saying the plan was a “clear sign that health equality is not a priority for our new Prime Minister, as she had promised”.
A Department of Health spokesperson said: “Obesity is a complex issue.
“We have been very open about the fact we considered a number of different policies, but we have focused on the ones that experts tell us are the most effective.”
“We are fully committed to reducing childhood obesity and have developed a strong package which will have a positive impact on children in this country.”