Junk food adverts ban only one part of solution to obesity crisis (Birmingham Liberal Democrats)

Birmingham Liberal Democrats <info@birminghamlibdems.org.uk>

Junk food adverts ban only one part of solution to obesity crisis

February 22, 2007 5:00 PM

Commenting on Ofcom's announcement today that junk food adverts will not be allowed on any programmes or channels aimed at children under 16, Liberal Democrat Culture, Media and Sport Spokesperson, Richard Younger-Ross MP said: "This announcement is of vital importance to ensure that children are protected from harmful influences. Prevention of ill-health is as important as a cure, but this measure alone will not be enough to defeat the obesity crisis facing Britain today. "More must also be done to get young people active. In a nation where 20% of children are overweight, far too many are driven short distances to school when they could walk or cycle.

"There are still too many kids who don't continue playing any sport after they leave school. If current trends continue, three million young people will have dropped sport altogether before the 2012 Olympics. To combat obesity, there must be a fundamental change in our children's behaviour as well as a transformation in the behaviour of the food industry."