Diabetes UK backs Oliver’s child obesity strategy

A leading diabetes charity is backing Jamie Oliver’s call for the Government to publish a childhood obesity strategy immediately.

Diabetes UK, which is part of the Obesity Health Alliance, said it wants to see more done to fight the growing problem of obesity.

In a joint statement, the organisation said: “We welcome Jamie Oliver’s call for the Government to publish a strong and effective childhood obesity strategy.

“We’re raising our children in an environment where everyday food is packed full of sugar and fat, and junk food is relentlessly advertised and easily available, which makes it extremely difficult for children and their families to make healthy choices.”

Oliver, who is known for his high-profile healthy eating campaigns, made his plea on Food Revolution Day at the World Health Assembly meeting in Geneva on 23 May.

Child health

The famous chef said: “The last 15 years have been tough at times. There were a few of us out there asking questions, wanting answers and making a lot of noise but it often felt like no one was listening.

“But recently we’ve started making headway, governments are beginning to change policies. One in three kids are obese and overweight in the UK, this just isn’t right.

“The world is crying out for action and there has never been a better time to make changes to save millions of lives.”

Oliver is calling on people in the UK to sign up and join the Food Revolution and ask the government to publish a strong child obesity strategy immediately.

The Obesity Health Alliance is a coalition of over 30 leading national health charities, campaign groups, and Royal Medical Colleges.

It added: “Currently one in five children in England is overweight or obese before they start primary school, and by the time they leave, this increases to one in three.

“Obese children are more likely to be obese as adults, which in turn increases their risk of developing serious health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, stroke and cardiovascular disease.

“We need to act now with a bold childhood obesity strategy to protect children’s health and wellbeing.”