The UK government is launching a new initiative to tackle obesity by encouraging food businesses to make their products healthier. As part of the upcoming 10-Year Health Plan, the Department of Health and Social Care has set a target for large retailers, including supermarkets, to adjust their offerings. The goal is to make the average shopping basket sold slightly healthier by allowing businesses flexibility in how they meet this standard.
This move encourages retailers and manufacturers to take steps such as reformulating products, modifying store layouts, offering discounts on nutritious items, and adapting loyalty programs. Public health experts suggest that even a small reduction in daily calorie intake, like cutting 50 calories a day, could significantly reduce obesity rates.
Obesity is a leading cause of serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, placing immense strain on the NHS, costing £11.4 billion annually. The government’s focus has shifted from treating obesity to preventing it, aiming to make healthier choices more accessible and appealing to consumers.
With the rise in obesity rates, especially among children, the government is prioritising preventative measures to address health disparities and promote healthier lifestyles, supporting food businesses in this transformation.