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MPs tell Prime Minister Andy Burnham the obesity 'moonshot' is 'doomed to fail' unless he makes it his 'personal mission'

Generic imagery of obesity, as MPs warn that around one in three children is now estimated to be overweight while the government has quietly watered down its soft drinks levy commitment.
Generic imagery of obesity, as MPs warn that around one in three children is now estimated to be overweight while the government has quietly watered down its soft drinks levy commitment.

Parliamentarians from across the political spectrum have declared they have "no faith" in the government's commitment to tackling Britain's obesity crisis, warning that key policies remain stalled and fundamental questions about targets and measurement remain unresolved, well over a year on from the original pledge. Committee chairwoman Layla Moran said an ambition without a plan "risks sounding naïve at best, or insincere at worst". The report calls for a dedicated cabinet committee, chaired by Burnham personally, to drive delivery.

Obesity costs the UK economy £74.3bn a year, including £11.4bn to the NHS, according to the Department of Health and Social Care.

The 10-year health plan's pledge to "reform" the soft drinks industry levy was quietly downgraded to merely "consider reforms", the committee noted.

Oxford professor Susan Jebb told MPs that with "every single weight-management programme, when it comes to an end, people regain weight."

Moreparliament.ukPrime Minister should make tackling England’s obesity crisis his personal mission, says Health Committee - UK Parliamentthegrocer.co.ukAndy Burnham urged to rescue ‘doomed’ obesity strategymedscape.comMPs Have 'No Faith' in Government's Obesity 'Moonshot' - MedscapeThe GuardianUK government’s obesity plan ‘doomed to fail’, MPs warnThe IndependentCombating UK obesity crisis should be your 'personal mission', MPs tell Burnham
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