Leeds-based health expert calls for London’s junk food advertising ban to be rolled out nationwide
Dr Stuart Flint, a health expert from Leeds Beckett University, has called for a junk food ban, which was recently introduced in London, to be rolled out across the country.
Recently, a ban on advertising was enforced on transport systems run by TFL, meaning that stations and buses, tubes, and trains cannot display adverts for foods that contain excessive sugar, salt and saturated fats.
Dr Flint said that the benefits of such a ban should not be underestimated. Both adults and children are exposed to adverts throughout the day no matter where they are, and this is undoubtedly contributing to elevated rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dental health problems. Studies show that children are getting larger year on year, adult obesity rates are increasing, and dental decay is the leading cause of hospital admissions among children in the UK. Type 2 diabetes, which is often linked to lifestyle factors, is also becoming increasingly prevalent.
Dr Flint, who has been part of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Obesity, suggested that a nationwide ban on junk food advertising would reduce obesity rates, as well as helping to tackle type 2 diabetes and poor oral health.
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