What is the SNP Scottish Government doing to tackle obesity

Obesity is one of the biggest challenges facing our nation’s health. In 2010 we published a long term strategy to tackle obesity, complimented by the Obesity Route Map Action Plan, and last year we launched a consultation to help shape a new strategy for diet and healthy weight management.

We have made key commitments to limit the marketing of products high in fat, sugar and salt, which disproportionately contribute to ill health and obesity, and to provide more support for people with type 2 diabetes to lose weight. In order to expand these services, the Scottish Government announced funding of £42 million over the next 5 years, and launched a public consultation on a range of proposals to improve diet and weight in Scotland. 

To ensure that children have access to healthy nutritious food, the SNP Scottish Government has extended free school meals to all primary 1 to 3 children, providing councils with nearly £150 million funding over the past three years.

We will launch a new Active Scotland Delivery Plan with a wide range of actions across all sectors, including strengthening Community Sport Hubs and improving opportunities for older people in care to be physically active.

Our ambition is for Scotland to be the first ‘Daily Mile’ nation with roll out to nurseries, schools, colleges, universities and workplaces across the country. Every school will be offered help to become a Daily Mile school, with 800 Scottish primary schools currently taking part in the initiative.

SNP MPs will continue to press the UK government on key policies which are reserved to Westminster – such as closing the loopholes in the sugary drinks tax, tightening regulation of broadcast and digital junk food advertising seen by children, and introducing clearer food labelling.