UK implements nationwide ban on junk food advertising on TV, online
Under the new regulations, foods and drinks high in fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) cannot be advertised on TV before 9 p.m. local time and are prohibited from being promoted through paid online advertising at any time. “Children will be protected from excessive exposure to unhealthy food adverts on television and online,” the Department of Health said in a statement.
The government estimates that the rules could reduce the number of children living with obesity by 20,000 and generate approximately £2 billion ($2.68 billion) in long-term health benefits.
Official statistics show that 22.1% of children in England are overweight or obese when starting primary school, rising to 35.8% by the time they finish.
Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton said restricting junk food advertising will limit children’s exposure to unhealthy foods and make it easier for parents and children to make healthier choices.
The move was welcomed by health advocates. Katharine Jenner, executive director of the Obesity Health Alliance, said it will finally protect children from the “worst offending” junk food adverts. Colette Marshall, chief executive of Diabetes UK, emphasized the urgency, noting that type 2 diabetes continues to rise among young people. “Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and the condition can lead to more severe consequences in young people, leaving them at risk of serious complications like kidney failure and heart disease,” she said.
The ban represents a major step in the UK’s efforts to tackle childhood obesity and improve long-term public health outcomes.
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