The United Kingdom is one of the highest levels of obesity in Western Europe, with two in three adults being overweight or obese. The obesity rate of primary school children in the UK also saw the “highest annual rise in 2020-21” revealed by statistics collected for the National Child Measurement Program. Obesity at ages 4 and 5 in the reception class rose to 14.4% in 2021, compared to 9.9% in the previous year. Obesity levels in 6th grade 10-year-old or 11-year-old students increased from 21% to 25.5%.
These numbers can be linked to the food environment in which the individual is active, highlighted by new research.
The UK food environment-people buying and eating food outside the home, and the advertisements and promotions they are exposed to-‘of people trying to lose weight and maintain a healthy obesity index. Actively undermines attempts. A systematic review from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Obesity Policy Research Unit.
Reviews show that the “ubiquity and charm” of unhealthy foods is part of the food environment (supermarket islands, canteens, or specifics) to help people who are actively trying to lose weight escape temptation. It claims to mean that it is forced to avoid (the social situation of).
“This review emphasizes not only how difficult it is to lose weight and lose weight in the UK, but also not just willpower and self-control. Anywhere – Easy to find, cheap to buy, fast and attractive. Is the target. “Kimberly Nave, co-author of the review and research assistant at the Obesity Policy Research Unit at the City University of London Food Policy Center, explained.
Relationship between obesity and price
Price is an important issue linking diet and health outcomes. Reviews have found that the relatively low cost of unhealthy food choices is either perceived or real, making weight management particularly difficult for low-income people. .. Researchers emphasized that unhealthy foods are often promoted over healthier options.
Government data seems to support this conclusion, and there is a study of the National Pediatric Measurement Program pointing out the growing health inequalities in the United Kingdom. According to official data, the prevalence of obesity was more than double the 20.3% of children living in the “most disadvantaged areas” compared to 7.8% of children living in the “most disadvantaged areas”.
Meanwhile, a study published last year by the Institute of Public Policy also highlighted the link between childhood obesity and poverty. Think tanks conclude that about 40,000 people aged 10 and 11 will be overweight or obese if national health results are consistent with those in more wealthy areas, such as home counties and parts of London. I attached it.
Policy recommendations
NIHR’s peer-reviewed publications states that if the government does not adopt “effective policies” to address the food environment, the use of “well-designed” weight management services will help with long-term weight loss and maintenance efforts. It was suggested to have a “limited impact”.
The systematic review included 26 studies focusing on people’s experiences of losing weight or maintaining weight loss in a normal daily environment. These were issued by 12 high-income countries between 2011 and 2020 and contained accounts for 679 adults. The “relatively few” related studies included reflect “a general lack of evidence in this important area of study,” the researchers said.
The NIHR Obesity Policy Research Unit has published a set of recommendations, called “important” recommendations, for policy makers to address the challenges of the UK food environment.
- Rebalance to increase promotions and offers for health foods such as fruits, vegetables and nuts, and fewer promotions and offers for “high fat, salt and sugar” (HFSS) foods.
- We support businesses and the public sector to provide healthier options at work, both at lunchtime and at social events.
- Provides a clear label for foods detailing part size and nutritional information.
- Limit HFSS food and beverage marketing.
- Develop incentives to introduce more fast food outlets to sell healthy options, especially around popular workplaces.
- Provide sustainable financial support to those at the lower end of the socio-economic range to make access to healthy food more equitable.
- Make sure your weight management service recognizes the significant impact of the food environment on those who seek assistance and builds strategies for food shopping and social events in all programs.
Will the new HFSS regulations change the food environment?
To some extent, some of these proposals will be addressed by the UK implementing new HFSS restrictions later this year.
Beginning in October, HFSS food and beverage products (defined in the Ministry of Health’s nutrient profiling model) will be banned from prominent locations within the store, such as at the end of aisles. It will no longer be sold for volume-based promotions such as one purchase and another free. And their advertising is banned before the 9 pm basin.
Industry experts anticipate that these changes could adversely affect sales trends in some HFSS categories. According to Kantar Worldpanel, UK takeaway food and beverage sales affected by “in range” HFSS products account for approximately 15%, which is equivalent to £ 17 billion in annual spending.
A recent investor note from Barclays Capital analyst Warren Ackerman hopes that UK regulations can affect the HFSS category in different ways and manufacturers will enhance the game. I emphasized that it can be reorganized.
“We expect significant product reforms from manufacturers. Many products are now classified as non-HFSS, as many reforms have already been made in categories such as serials, but chocolate bars, etc. , For some product types, re-prescription is difficult to ensure compliance without compromising customer acceptance of the product. “He said.
However, according to Neve of the University of London, this more interventionist approach to the food environment is needed to support the long-term dietary changes needed to address the UK obesity crisis.
“Instead of eating the usual January diet, we need to change the story so that people want a dietary environment to stay healthy. To do that, we need to create a competitive arena for the industry to start making changes. We need a policy for leveling. “She insisted.
Source..
“How does the food environment affect people engaged in weight management? Systematic review of qualitative literature and subject integration”..
Obesity Review..
DOI: 10.1111 / obr.13398
Author: Kimberly L. Nave, Anna Isaacs
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