HC Deb 22 October 2002 vol 391 cc263-5W
Mr. Barry Gardiner

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans his Department has to tackle obesity. [74056]

Ms Blears

The Government are committed to tackling the rising trend in obesity. The prevention and management of obesity are at the heart of many of the

Mr. Hutton

The average daily number of available beds in wards open overnight, by sector, for 1979 and 1990–91 to 1995–96 is given in the following table:

Government's priority areas, as highlighted in the NHS Plan and national service frameworks, particularly those outlining action on CHD and diabetes. The Department is taking an integrated approach with cross-Government work at national, regional and local levels, where action is focused on improving diet and increasing physical activity levels, and includes: The Five-a-day programme to increase fruit and vegetable intakes, including the National School Fruit Scheme, and work with industry to increase provision and access. Initiatives with the food industry (including manufacturers and caterers) to improve the overall balance of diet including salt, fat and sugar in food, working with the Food Standards Agency. The Food in Schools and National Healthy Schools programmes, addressing food and nutrition in schools. The Welfare Foods scheme is being reviewed, in line with the NHS Plan commitment to use the resources more effectively to ensure children in poverty have access to a healthy diet. Increased support for breastfeeding, which is accepted as the best form of nutrition for infants to ensure a good start in life. PE and sports programmes for young people and the community in general, together with the School Sport Co-ordinator programme. A new programme for community physical activity pilots, led by primary care trusts. Guidance issued by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence on anti-obesity drugs and surgery. Local action to tackle obesity and physical inactivity, informed by advice from the Health Development Agency on what works.

Bob Russell

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for newspaper, television and radio campaigns concerning obesity, weight loss and healthy living. [74462]

Ms Blears

We have no plans to run specific campaigns on obesity, weight loss and healthy living, although we will be extensively publicising the Five-a-day programme from the New Year. We have also funded the British Dietetic Association, as part of their Weight Wise campaign, to undertake project work on consumer messages and communication methods relating to weight management.

The prevention and management of obesity are at the heart of many of the Government's priority areas, as highlighted in the NHS Plan and national service frameworks, particularly those outlining action on CHD and diabetes. Other commitments are also likely to have a positive impact on the prevention and management of obesity, including the infant feeding initiative, the national school fruit scheme, the food in schools programme and work with the food industry to address the sugar, fat and salt content of the diet. There is also substantial cross-government work to increase physical activity levels.