UK government obesity plan ‘doomed to fail’ without PM leadership, MPs warn

Questions remain over the pledge

The government pledged to end the obesity epidemic within a decade. But the committee says it has yet to explain how it will measure progress or coordinate work across departments.

MPs said the effort needs to be a personal priority for the prime minister. Without leadership from the top, they warned, the government will not meet a challenge of this scale.

Obesity rates remain high

Official figures show 30% of adults in England are living with obesity. A further measure finds 66% are either overweight or living with obesity. Close to a third of children are estimated to be overweight or living with obesity. Rates among adults and children have risen significantly since the 1990s; although the trends have levelled off, there are no signs of a decline.

MPs call for coordinated action

The committee wants a joined-up plan setting out which departments are responsible, what they will do and how the work will be funded. It should address both prevention and treatment for adults and children.

Layla Moran, the Liberal Democrat MP who chairs the committee, said leadership from No 10 was vital. She said an effective plan would require action on unhealthy-food advertising and promotions, clearer product labels, supermarket targets for healthier food sales and limits on fast-food outlets near schools.