Dietician warns TV adverts are ‘not enough’ to tackle childhood obesity

A dietician from Birmingham City University (BCU) has warned that banning TV adverts for junk food will not be enough to address childhood obesity.

The new regulations, introduced to help tackle childhood obesity, prevent foods high in fat, salt and sugar from being advertised on TV before 21:00 and at any time online.

According to NHS data, almost one in 10 (9.2 per cent) reception-aged children are living with obesity, while one in five children experience tooth decay by the age of five.

BCU dietician Sean Macintosh said: “The ban is a positive step towards better protecting children from constant exposure to junk food advertising, which makes it harder for them to develop healthy eating habits.

“However, this must form part of a wider approach that also improves access to affordable, nutritious food and provides practical nutrition education, which is key to the initiative’s success.

“Evidence shows that seeing these adverts influences children’s eating behaviours and shapes their preferences from a very young age.

“This policy helps mitigate long-term health risks linked to poor diet, including childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes, dental decay and cardiovascular disease later in life.”

Evidence shows that exposure to junk food advertising is linked to increased consumption of foods high in fat, sugar and salt. The government estimates the ban could prevent around 20,000 cases of childhood obesity.

Sean continued: “The ban also helps create a healthier food environment, supports parents in making balanced choices, and can contribute to reducing childhood obesity and related health inequalities over time.

“Healthier eating patterns established in childhood are strongly associated with better physical and metabolic health across the lifespan.”