Obesity ‘pill’ is not the answer

Responding to last night’s announcement from DHSC on extra funding for ‘obesity drugs’, Prof Jim McManus, ADPH President said:

“Obesity is an incredibly complex issue and one which sadly can’t be cured by a silver bullet. Clearly, we welcome new treatments, but what we really need is to create a society where maintaining a healthy weight is seen as the norm.

“Currently around a third of children are obese by the age of 10 and obesity is responsible for at least 200,000 new cancer cases every year. Treating everyone would be both hugely costly and logistically impossible.

“The fact that prevention is better than cure is undeniable. As well as investing in new treatments, the Government needs to do more to prevent the number of people ever needing treatment.

“We know what works. We need to limit the marketing of high fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) foods and engage with local authorities, businesses, schools, communities and individuals at every level. Only then, by tackling both the social and commercial determinants of our health will we be able to really cement positive, healthy attitudes – and ensure equity of access – to healthy foods for all.”