Strategy to tackle Scotland's 'obesity time bomb'

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Effort to tackle obesity timebomb

The Scottish government has announced a plan to work with the food industry, business and schools to try to tackle Scotland's obesity "timebomb".

The move comes as a report suggested 40% of the population could be classed as obese by 2030.

Launching the strategy, Public Health Minister Shona Robison said the issue was a huge threat to Scotland's future.

It was estimated that if things did not change, the problem could cost Scottish society £3bn a year.

The environment we live in today means that for most people weight gain becomes almost inevitable Shona Robison Public Health Minister

The Scottish government has warned of an "obesity time bomb" which could have an impact on the country's economic growth.

Ms Robison said: "Obesity currently costs Scotland over £457m a year.

"If we do not address this epidemic now it is estimated that this figure could reach over £3bn a year.

"We cannot expect people to be able to change their behaviour alone as the environment we live in today means that for most people weight gain becomes almost inevitable."

Reduce portions

The strategy set out plans to work with the food industry to control exposure to high calorie drinks and foods.

It suggested removing sweets from the till point in shops and increasing the range of healthier choices in convenience stores.

Another aim is to help businesses to encourage their staff to eat healthily and be more active, and to work with schools to promote healthy habits.

But Tam Fry from the National Obesity Forum said the root causes of the problem needed to be addressed.

He said: "We have too much food now on the supermarket shelves which is too high in salt and fat and sugar.

"Until that comes down to reasonable levels I think the average housewife going to do her shopping will be picking up stuff which is not altogether healthy and if they pick up that kind of food then the problem of obesity will persist."

However the Scottish Retail Consortium said its members already helped customers to choose balanced diets without the need for regulation.

SRC director Ian Shearer said: "We support continuing efforts in this area but policymakers must recognise it's ultimately individuals who decide what they eat."

Physical activity

Scottish Labour spokesman on sport Frank McAveety said obesity should concern us all.

He added: "The Scottish Government's strategy needs to do much more to promote physical activity and I am calling on them to get serious about sport."

The Scottish Conservatives spokesman for health Mary Scanlon MSP, said radical ideas were needed.

She explained: "Scottish Conservatives have proposed a Standard Universal Health Visiting Service for all families and children up to the age of 7, which would help provide families with key nutritional advice during those crucial early years."

Liberal Democrat spokesman Ross Finnie said the government's plans fell short of tackling the problem.

He said: "The strategy published today does not fully set out how the Scottish government hopes to achieve its far reaching aims.

"We need to tackle this problem with exercise and the changing of attitudes to eating habits."