Stroud MP Dr. Simon Opher is calling for tougher measures to tackle the obesity crisis, including the introduction of a new tax on fast food and foods high in salt and sugar. While the government has pledged to ban junk food advertising to children before 21:00 GMT from October, Dr. Opher believes that more radical action is needed.
Dr. Opher, a practicing GP, explained that unhealthy foods are often cheaper and more convenient for working parents, making them an easy choice. He emphasized that despite over 700 policies aimed at combating obesity since 1990, rates have only continued to rise. “We need mandatory rules for the food industry,” he said.
In a bid to address the issue, the Department of Health and Social Care is working on a new 10-year health plan focused on reducing obesity levels in both children and adults. The government has expressed its commitment to tackling the issue by shifting focus from treatment to prevention.
Dr. Opher advocates for a “reformulation tax,” similar to the sugar tax on soft drinks, which could compel food companies to make healthier products. The revenue generated could be reinvested into making healthy food more affordable for low-income families. He also wants healthier food to become more accessible by lowering its cost.
The MP plans to lead a debate on this issue in Parliament and has been working with organizations like the Square Food Foundation and We Are Project Grow, which promote healthy eating and sustainable food practices in communities.
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