Scotland's childhood obesity 'rising' amid calls for tougher action on food promotions

Key Points

Health experts warn Scotland continues to suffer some of Europe’s worst diet-related outcomes, with obesity and type 2 diabetes on the rise — particularly in deprived communities
New figures reveal children in Scotland’s poorest areas are more than twice as likely to be at risk of obesity
Food Standards Scotland says government progress on diet and public health reform is welcome but far too slow
The watchdog accuses policymakers of allowing commercial pressures to override health priorities
Scotland is now in danger of missing its 2030 target to halve childhood obesity

Scotland continues to face some of the “poorest diet-related health outcomes” in Europe, according to health experts.

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) says levels of obesity, type 2 diabetes and other non-communicable diseases are rising, particularly among those in the most deprived areas.

Data from Public Health Scotland (PHS) shows that children living in the most deprived areas are now more than twice as likely to be at risk of obesity compared to those in the least deprived areas.

FSS says recent commitments from the Scottish Government to improve public health by taking a preventative approach are welcome.

However, progress has been described as “too slow and not far-reaching enough” to meet the scale of the challenges faced.

Heather Kelman, chair of the FSS Board, said: “We welcome the direction of travel, but action must be stronger, faster, and better resourced.

“Public health cannot continue to take a back seat to commercial interests. Delays and compromises only serve to deepen existing health inequalities with a continuing increase in dietary related health costs.”

FSS warns that the current restrictions on food promotions must go further if they are to be fully effective.

Mrs Kelman continued: “This should not be a choice between health or growth. When HFSS sales increase, the NHS and taxpayers pick up the bill.

“Of course we recognise that growth is important, but we need a system that prioritises public health over commercial interests.”

FSS also noted that Scotland continues to lag behind other parts of the UK in implementing diet-related measures, calling for stronger collaboration with the UK Government to tackle issues.

Mrs Kelman continued: “Without urgent and coordinated action, Scotland risks missing its ambition to halve childhood obesity by 2030, and allowing diet-related illness to continue placing unsustainable pressure on the NHS.

“Clinical solutions can help, but are not a panacea, and preventing diet-related ill-health conditions is still a much better solution.

“We need a bold strategy to reshape the food environment. The intent is there. Now we need delivery, leadership, and the political will across all UK administrations to follow through.”

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Ensuring everyone is Scotland eats well, has a healthy weight and is physically active is a key priority for the Scottish Government’s public health agenda.

“We are working to make healthier choices easier and supporting everyone to be more active. As a part of this action, we are restricting the promotion of foods high in fat, salt and sugar that are most likely to contribute to childhood obesity. These regulations are an important step to reduce the health harms caused by poor diet.

“We have strengthened requirements on providing a balanced and nutritious diet for children in schools to consume the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.”