Dental News - British government publishes part two of childhood obesity action plan

Dental Tribune UK

Thu. 5. July 2018

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LONDON, UK: Two years after the British government published part one of their plan of action to combat childhood obesity, part two has been published. The follow-up publication outlines a proposal for sweeping changes to the advertising of junk food, including a potential 9 p.m. watershed on advertisements for the unhealthiest products.

The childhood obesity action plan is informed by the latest evidence on this subject and aims to halve childhood obesity in Britain by 2030. In addition, it seeks to reduce the gap in obesity between children in the most and least deprived areas.

According to Public Health England, more than one in three children who completed primary school in 2017 were overweight to some degree. Obesity has been shown by numerous studies to be a risk factor for oral conditions such as dental caries, gingivitis and periodontitis.

The publication of the follow-up plan was welcomed by organisations such as the British Dental Association (BDA), which has long advocated for changes in how high-sugar products are marketed to British children.”

“After a watered-down obesity strategy, we’re pleased ministers have offered a more substantial second course,” said Dr Mick Armstrong, Chair of the BDA's Principal Executive Committee.

“Progress is tribute to unrelenting pressure from both campaigners and health professionals. Action on the marketing and sale of high sugar products are necessary steps to address the major health challenges this country now faces. Sadly, given we know about the agents fuelling these conditions, and common challenges we face tackling deep health inequalities, it’s a missed opportunity that government hasn’t quite joined the dots on obesity and tooth decay.”

“There is a lot of talk about putting the mouth back in the body. When tooth decay is the number one reason for child hospital admissions, it needs to be more than a PS in someone else’s strategy.”

Childhood Obesity: A Plan for Action, Chapter 2 was published online on 25 June by the Department of Health and Social Care, and can be accessed online here.

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