Fighting obesity - Time to take off the gloves

THE evidence of the obesity epidemic is all around us. Already one fifth of children are obese or overweight.

Yesterday, parents were warned to be more aware of how junk food manufacturers target children. Online games, cartoon characters and tokens placed on packaging are all used to put producers’ interests before children’s health. Profit is the motive for these companies and if destroying children’s health is a consequence they won’t worry unduly.

We have seen the results of not regulating banks properly. It is time to regulate the food industry more vigorously. The first step might be banning advertising for foods containing fats, sugars or salt above a certain level. If we can take on the tobacco giants then surely we can take on the fizzy pop and pizza health destroyers too.