Our policy on obesity and diet

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Obesity is a complex issue with many causes, but one of the biggest influences is the world we live in.

Why are we focusing on childhood obesity?

Over one in five children in England are overweight or obese before they start primary school. By the time they leave, this increases to over one in three. Acting early is critical. Children who are obese are five times more likely to grow into adults who are obese, and adults who are obese are more likely to develop cancer. Unless urgent action is taken, half of all children will be overweight or obese by 2020.

Find out about the link between obesity and cancer in adults

Protect kids from junk food advertising

Do junk food adverts really influence children?

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We are calling for a 9pm watershed on TV, as well as similar restrictions online, to protect children from exposure to marketing for foods high in sugar, salt and fat. The more junk food ads on TV young people see, the more they eat – and that could amount to over 500 extra snacks throughout the year.

Junk food marketing evidence

Our analysis of TV junk food advertising

Our analysis of the UK's top food and drink brands

Restrict price promotions on junk food

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We are calling for the government to introduce legislation to restrict multi-buy price promotions on unhealthy food. Overall, less healthy foods are frequently purchased on price promotion, and promotions tend to increase the amount consumed. Therefore, restricting price and location-based promotions on unhealthy foods could help shift behaviour towards healthier food purchasing.

Restrict price promotions on junk food

What's happened so far?

In Chapter Two of its Childhood Obesity Plan, the Government has set out a bold ambition to halve childhood obesity by 2030. The Plan committed to consult on many measures that we have campaigned for, including a potential ban on junk food adverts before the 9pm watershed with similar protections online and a ban on promotions for foods high in fat, salt or sugar in shops. We’ve been campaigning for this for a long time across the UK - this shows that the Government has been listening.

What next

The Government has gathered opinions from health bodies, the public and the food and advertising industries, the public and health bodies on its proposals to restrict junk food marketing to children on TV and online. We have submitted our response and will follow developments closely and continue to engagement the Government to make sure the suggested measures are robust and implemented to their full effect.

What's happened so far?
What next

What does it take to reduce obesity rates?

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Our mission is to reduce obesity in the UK and prevent as many cases of cancer as possible. We know there is no silver bullet to reduce obesity, and there are many things that need to change in the food environment so healthy habits are easier to maintain. Cancer Research UK is working to make a difference at all levels of society. This includes:

• Running public awareness campaigns to inform people of the link between obesity and cancer

• Working to influence Government to introduce policies to reduce childhood obesity

• Funding research to build the evidence base on obesity and cancer

• Working in partnership with other organisations to tackle obesity

• Engaging with the public about how they can reduce their risk of cancer

• Sharing information on how to maintain healthier habits

Partners

Obesity Health Alliance: We are a steering group member of the Obesity Health Alliance, a coalition of more than 40 organisation committed to share expertise and support Government to tackle the complex issue of overweight and obesity in the UK.
The Scottish Obesity Alliance: A forum for organisations to collaborate to influence policy and practice on obesity prevention in Scotland. The Alliance works together to influence the Scottish and UK Government’s policies on overweight and obesity, through advocacy and communication, identifying evidence and solutions, sharing knowledge and evidence between members.
Obesity Alliance Cymru: A coalition of leading charities and health organisations in Wales. The Alliance came together via the Welsh NHS Confederation Policy Forum to collectively support and influence the development of the Welsh Government’s obesity strategy, to ensure that the strategy does the most effective job possible in tackling obesity.