"Any efforts to tackle the causes of obesity needs to be part of a whole systems approach, if we are to help the Government meet its target of halving childhood obesity by 2030."
Responding to the Government’s announcement of new rules restricting the advertising of unhealthy foods online and on TV, Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:
“Childhood obesity is one of the biggest public health challenges we face and the decision to restrict advertising of unhealthy foods targeted at children and young people is a positive step forward.
“Councils are already working hard to help their communities live healthier and more active lives, including initiatives such as healthy food schemes in schools and nurseries and specialised weight management services.
“Any efforts to tackle the causes of obesity needs to be part of a whole systems approach, if we are to help the Government meet its target of halving childhood obesity by 2030.
“Greater powers for councils to tackle the clustering of existing takeaways and restricting junk food advertising near schools, alongside extra investment in other council-run programmes such as exercise referral schemes and offering free or reduced-cost sport, can play an essential part in helping to achieve this collective ambition.”