PUBLIC HEALTH environments without placing the emphasis on individuals to change their behaviours. Within the confines of central government, the difficulty is understandable, as actions seen as removing choice gain criticism as promoting the ‘nanny state’ (removal of individual liberty and market freedoms), yet those relying on individuals to adjust lifestyles are seen as unrealistic and unfair. So how does Westminster win? We know obesity is a structural issue – which is clearly exacerbated with widening of health inequalities – and hence the evidence base suggests the solutions should also be structural. Despite this, the largest proportion of strategies were found to put the onus on individual agency (43%). Secondly, despite the majority of strategies acknowledging that health inequalities need to be addressed, only 19% of these were set up to reduce these very inequalities from the beginning. POSITIVE POLICYMAKING GOING FORWARD
The analysis that formed the basis for this article gives good insight into what it is reasonable to
expect future government policies on obesity should include. Already, since 2018, evidencebased effective steps are being taken to improve the food environment for consumers. The SDIL (Sugary Drinks Industry Levy) is a successful example of this. An evaluation of SDIL, published in February 2020, found that the percentage of drinks with sugar over 5g per 100ml fell from an expected level of 49% to 15% over the 2015-2019 time period.8 The most recent strategy, published in July 2020, although reiterative of the previous two manifestations of strategy, provides a measurable goal with clear target audiences. It also includes a greater proportion of structural interventions than we have seen previously: the restriction of junk food advertising, removal of buy-one-get-one-free offers on high fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) products, and more. Going forward with the 2020 Tackling Obesity strategy, in order to achieve positive outcomes, this Government must avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.
MEET THE CHARITY
Alexandra Rose Charity’s mission is to give families on low incomes access to fresh fruit and vegetables in their local communities, through their Rose Vouchers for Fruit & Veg Project. Many of the families supported by the project struggle to provide healthy and nutritious meals for their children. One mum from Southwark shares how: “Before I had the Rose Vouchers, I didn’t have enough fruit and veg for everyone in my family. Now I do.” Families with children under the age of five receive £3 worth of Rose Vouchers per child, (or £6 if the child is under one year of age). Vouchers can be redeemed at local markets and independent greengrocers. This means that the project also supports markets, maintaining their position as sources of healthy low-cost food, and providing the community with vital access to fruit and veg. For more information about Alexandra Rose Charity please visit www.alexandrarose.org.uk
www.NHDmag.com April 2021 - Issue 162
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