Cancer Research UK responds to the Governments new Childhood Obesity Plan

Cancer Research UK responds to the Governments new Childhood Obesity Strategy after campaigning for the introduction of a 9pm watershed on junk food adverts and restrcitions on price promotions. 

Sir Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, said: “We congratulate the Government on putting forward this bold plan, demonstrating its commitment to address one of the most significant health challenges of our time. Once implemented following the consultation, the proposed restrictions on junk food advertising will make an enormous impact on childhood obesity rates.

“More than 60 cancers are diagnosed daily in the UK due to excess weight, and our research has shown that young people are more than twice as likely to be obese if they remember seeing a junk food advert every day. Children who carry too much weight are five times more likely to be obese adults, putting them at risk of many diseases, including several types of cancer.

“The Government now needs to be steadfast in taking forward these measures with urgency and determination.”