Dr Birgitta Rabe, Reader at the Institute for Social and Economic Research at the University of Essex, will present her recent research at the Industry and Parliament Trust’s online event on Wednesday 12 May at 8.30am, chaired by Shadow Minister for Food, Farming, and Fisheries, Daniel Zeichner. The industry speaker will be Zoe Ellis,
Head of Medical Affairs, Danone
According to NHS Digital, nearly two-thirds of adults in the UK are classed as overweight, with more than a quarter deemed obese. Tackling obesity is one of the greatest long-term health challenges we face, and the issue is increasingly prevalent amongst children. The National Child Measurement Programme found that one in ten children in reception year are obese, rising to one in five by the end of primary school. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has described the obesity issue as “one of the greatest threats” to children and society as a whole. In 2018-19, 876,000 hospital admissions were linked to weight problems and obesity increases the risk of complications from COVID-19. In 2020, the Government launched its anti-obesity strategy, however, the National Audit Office has already warned that the UK is unlikely to meet its mission of halving childhood obesity in England by 2030. How can the UK combat its rising levels of obesity and empower adults and children to live healthier lives?
This event will:
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Examine the widening gap in obesity rates between the most and least deprived in the UK
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Review the effectiveness of current and previous government initiatives to increase education, fund exercise, and reduce sugar intake
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Discuss the industry actions needed to address obesity and help families make healthy choices
Visit this event on the IPT website here