PHE targets obesity with calorie reduction plan in UK

Public Health England (PHE) has unveiled its new plans to cut the excessive calorie intake to address childhood obesity issues in the UK.

As part of the government’s strategy to reduce childhood and adult obesity, UK public health officials have challenged food manufacturers in the country to cut 20% of calories in their food products by 2024.

PHE estimates that even if it achieves 5% of its target over the next five years, it would help prevent more than 35,000 premature deaths and also save nearly £9bn in NHS healthcare and social care costs in the next 25 years.

It is reported that annually, the NHS spends around £6bn for treating obesity-related conditions.

PHE chief executive Duncan Selbie 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.”

The UK Government has said that the food manufacturers in the country can cut calories by changing the recipe of their products, reduce the quantity in each portion, and promote lower-calorie products.

Food products that will be covered in the programme include savoury snacks, ready-made sandwiches, meat products, ready meals, and pizzas.

PHE chief nutritionist Dr Alison Tedstone said: “It’s hard for people to make healthy food choices, whether for themselves or their families.

“That’s why we are challenging the food industry to take 20% of the calories out of everyday foods, building on their good work on salt and promising announcements on sugar.

“We are also working through our campaign and its partners, to give the public the information they need to help make those choices easier.”

The 20% reduction target was set by public health officials after carrying out consultations with the food industry and stakeholders, as well as referring to new calorie consumption data, in addition to learning from outcomes of the sugar and salt reduction programmes.

Health officials will also carry out another round of meeting with the whole food industry in order to develop new category guidelines, which will be published by mid-2019.

PHE has also launched One You campaign in the country to increase public calorie-awareness.

The campaign encourages adults to consume 400 calories at breakfast, and 600 for lunch and dinner.