Poor diet and lack of exercise targeted by UK government

May 8 2004

Britain's obesity problem, poor diet and lack of exercise were being discussed today at The Diet and Exercise Summit in London.

The discussions by ministers and health experts will be used in a major public health White Paper to be published in the summer.

Wide ranging questions on how to improve food and fitness in the UK were published late last week by Health Minister, Melanie Johnson and Sports Minister, Richard Caborn.

The documents - 'Choosing Health?  Choosing a Better Diet,' and 'Choosing Health? Choosing activity' - are part of a major public consultation on improving the nation's health,  being held over the next few months. The results of this, and other strands of the consultation, which will inform proposals in a White Paper to be published in the Summer.

Melanie Johnson MP, Welwyn Hatfield, said, "The Government is absolutely committed to making sure that everyone can lead a healthier life; nutrition and health is one aspect of people’s lives where simple changes can make a big difference to the risk of chronic conditions such as type II diabetes.  But this issue is not just for Government - lasting improvements are only achievable if others,  including  the food industry, consumer groups, health experts and the media work together over the coming years to tackle the issues."

"Individuals also have to take responsibility for their diets or those of people in their charge.  The Government and others can, and should, support consumers, providing them with easier access to a wider range of healthier foods and, crucially, the information and knowledge needed to make informed choices about their diets."