Scottish Government seeks views on junk food promotions in bid to tackle obesity

Promotions on junk meals could be restricted in a bid to curb being overweight in Scotland, a consultation will consider. 

The Scottish Government is seeking views from the community about options to restrict the marketing of sweets, crisps and sugary drinks at checkouts as perfectly as on multi-acquire discounts. 

Ministers believe that limitations could enable Scots with weak diet programs make more healthy alternatives. 

The session, which operates right up until September 23, will assess the impact of the proposed restrictions on corporations and community health and fitness, as properly as on Scots dwelling in poorer places.

Minister for public well being Maree Todd mentioned: “Our diet plans keep on being also higher in calories, fats, sugar and salt which can have serious penalties for our total well being.

“In Scotland, two out of 3 grown ups are overweight or obese, with those people residing in our poorest areas additional probably to be chubby and experience the most hurt as a end result.

“We know that promotions can inspire in excess of-consumption and impulse purchasing.

“By restricting the advertising of fewer healthful meals and consume we can better assist people today to make healthier decisions and aid produce a Scotland where by anyone eats very well and has a balanced bodyweight.”

Meals Expectations Scotland (FSS) have welcomed the start of the consultation, with Dr Gillian Purdon incorporating that promotions “can encourage us to obtain much more than we want, and really do not essentially help save us money”.

The FSS head of diet science and coverage said: “Evidence exhibits that a sizeable amount of money of the food items and drink we get is on marketing, and is usually skewed in the direction of a lot less nutritious decisions this kind of as confectionery, sweet biscuits, savoury treats, cakes, pastries, puddings and sugar made up of soft beverages.

“These foods account for all-around 20% of energy and fat in our eating plan, and more than fifty percent of our no cost sugar intake.

“Restricting promotions of these styles of food items is a single way to support folks to make more healthy selections.”