Prevention

Measures that recognise and address deeper systemic causes of obesity are an important part of any comprehensive response to the epidemic. Tax and pricing measures can be effective in promoting dietary change and have been introduced by an increasing number of countries in recent years. Front-of-pack food labelling systems can help consumers make healthier food choices while simultaneously encouraging industry to reformulate products. Regulation can reduce children’s exposure to unconstrained marketing of foods high in fat, sugar and salt, which negatively effects children’s food behaviours and health.

45 million kgs sugar removed from soft drinks each year ahead of UK Soft Drinks Industry Levy See evidence
30+ countries implemented front-of-pack nutrition labelling systems See evidence
827 unhealthy food ads on TV seen by the average 5-8 year old in Australia over one year See evidence