Majority of Scots back government plans to tackle obesity

Almost two thirds of Scots support a government plan to ban junk food discounts in supermarkets, according to a new joint poll by the Scottish Government and Cancer Research UK.

Shoppers say that multi-buy deals and discounts such as ‘buy-one-get-one-free’ lead to consumers unnecessarily amassing unhealthy snacks, which are high in fat, salt and sugar.

The Scottish Government proposed a restriction on junk food promotions, with 62% of people backing the move. A similar percentage of Scots surveyed were worried about their weight or the weight of a family member, while a significant 82% believed multi-buy deals promoted bad eating habits.

Cancer Research UK cancer prevention expert Professor Linda Bauld said: “This survey shows that obesity is a worry for all of us–and with good reason. Obesity is linked to 13 different types of cancer.

“When we stock our cupboards with cheap chocolate, crisps and biscuits, we are getting far more than we bargained for. Obesity costs us dearly and this survey tells us the public want action.”

Meanwhile, Scottish National Party backbencher Richard Lochhead said: “The Scottish Government has pledged to take forward a series of bold measures to tackle obesity, including restricting multi-buy promotions on junk food.”

“On World Cancer Day, we hope politicians will unite to call time on obesity in Scotland. In the fight against obesity, laws to restrict the tempting junk food deals that are at the heart of Scotland’s poor diet will be crucial. The evidence for action keeps piling up. We must do much more to make sure the pounds don’t keep piling on,” added Bauld.

The new restrictions are part of a wider ongoing strategy to tackle obesity and improve diet. Cancer Research UK identified obesity as the second largest preventable cause of cancer and firmly supports the new plans.

Another proposal is to only advertise unhealthy food on television after the 9pm watershed. The issue is scheduled for debate in Scottish parliament on 1 February.

The Scottish public health minister Aileen Campbell suggested that if the UK did not commit to such a ban, Holyrood would ask for powers to be devolved so that Scotland could push through with the changes.

A report by NHS Scotland last year found that almost one in three Scottish adults are obese. With statistics also suggesting that affluence also affects the likelihood of obesity in Scottish children. Findings state that children starting school in wealthy areas had a 7% chance of developing obesity, with this figure rising to 13% for the poorest areas.