Junk food adverts will be banned on television and online from Monday as part of a drive to tackle childhood obesity. The UK-wide ban will stop food and drinks high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) being advertised on TV before 21:00 and at any time online. It applies to products considered to be the biggest drivers of childhood obesity, including soft drinks, chocolates and sweets, pizzas and ice creams. As well as more obviously unhealthy foods, the ban will also cover some breakfast cereals and porridges, sweetened bread products, and main meals and sandwiches. Decisions over which products fall under the ban will be based on a scoring tool, balancing their nutrient levels against whether they are high in saturated fat, salt, or sugar. Firms can still promote healthier versions of banned products, which the government hopes will lead to food makers developing healthier recipes. It is estimated obesity costs the NHS more than £11bn every year. Evidence shows children's exposure to ads for unhealthy food can influence what they eat from a young age, in turn putting them at greater risk of becoming overweight or obese.The government estimates the ad ban will prevent around 20,000 cases of childhood obesity.
BBQ - Do you think the ban will be effective in reducing obesity?
