Scotland to introduce fast food limitations to curb obesity levels

Added on 23/02/10

Author: James Congdon – Editor

With the media really going to town with regards to soaring obesity rates in both adults and children, Scotland is set to introduce a number of measures, to try and tackle the problem at one of the major sources, junk food culture.

The fact of the matter is, the number of obese people in Scotland alone, is set to double by as soon as 2030. There will be 12m obese adults by 2010 and 1 in 4 children are already obese before school age. These are the facts and with obesity costing us a nation, £3 billion pounds yearly, it is definitely time that something was done.

The measures

Fast food venders will receive a blanket ban, preventing them from trading anywhere near schools. They will also need to curb portion sizes, as will restaurants.

The Public Health Minister, Shona Robison believes that fast food retailers should also limit the amount of sugar and salt that they put into food and to display the amount of calories present in every meal.

Criticism

The plan has been met with a great deal of criticism from people who believe that the move is ‘unenforceable nonsense’.

David Mcguire, the CEO of the Glasgow Resteraunters’ Association said it would simply place too many limitations on our decisions to dine out. We at WeightWorld believe that there is some substance behind the move. It would be good for raising awareness about the importance of a balanced diet although simply putting the number of calories alongside meals is not enough. People need to be educated about the dangers of excessive calorie levels.

We can help to prevent obesity through basic lifestyle choices. Our diet and exercise levels are key to staying healthy.