According to a new survey from Public Health England (PHE), the public support towards sugar and calorie reduction in everyday foods has been overwhelming.
The survey says that 9 out of 10 individuals are supporting the government's collaboration with the food industry (manufacturers, supermarkets and the eating out of home sector) to make food healthier. People quoted 'helping the NHS' as one of the primary reasons for extending their support.
Other notable findings of the survey were:
- More than 9 out of 10 respondents believe that the United Kingdom is going through an obesity crisis, and 79% are concerned that it negatively affects the NHS.
- The respondents believe obesity (39%) is the third most serious health concern affecting the UK population after cancer (47%) and mental health (43%).
- According to the public, the biggest responsibility in tackling obesity lies in individuals and families (90%), food industry (80%) and the government (72%).
- 87% of respondents are in favour of replacing unhealthy products near supermarket checkout counters, with healthier options.
Duncan Selbie, chief executive at PHE, said: "Obesity is the pandemic of modern times. Customers are saying they want faster progress from the food industry, and in particular, those businesses that have taken little or no action. We will be publicly reporting on these during 2019."
