Report

The UK government has launched a new plan to fight obesity by working together with supermarkets and food companies. Instead of creating strict laws, the government is asking these businesses to help people make healthier food choices, like offering discounts on healthy items, adjusting store layouts, or using loyalty points to encourage better options.

Stores Will Track and Report Healthy Sales

Big food retailers will now track how much healthy food they sell and share that information with the government. The plan also includes encouraging food companies to improve the nutrition of their products by reducing sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. To support this effort, the government will launch a mobile app that gives people shopping vouchers when they eat healthy and stay active. It will also expand a digital health program that helps people manage weight, especially those with diabetes or high blood pressure. New rules may also limit alcohol advertising, similar to current junk food ad restrictions.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the government wants to support people, not control them. He explained that even a small change—like cutting 50 calories a day—could help millions of adults and children avoid obesity and reduce pressure on the UK National Health Service (NHS).

Experts Say Everyone Must Be Involved

Industry leaders and health experts say the plan is a good step, but it needs to include more than just supermarkets. Many people buy food from restaurants and local stores, so they should be part of the effort too. Experts also pointed out that healthy food is still more expensive and harder to find in low-income areas. This new plan is part of a larger, 10-year strategy to improve health in England. The goal is to make it easier for people to eat better and stay healthy, without putting all the responsibility on individuals.

Source: BBC