‘Actions speak louder than words in obesity battle’, says CCPR

Health secretary Alan Johnson today announced that the Government would review its overall approach to physical activity, including the role of Sport England, with the aim of producing a fresh set of programmes to ensure that there is a legacy of increased physical activity before and after the 2012 Games.

CCPR chief executive, Tim Lamb, commented:

“Now is the time for action, rather than review. The Department of Health first started work on its healthy living campaign in 2005 – a strategy which was subsequently parked. A further review could take another twelve months. If, as the Government says it wants to, ministers plan to take advantage of the Olympics they need to act now, rather than delay once more.

“More delays will undoubtedly mean greater levels of obesity. In the meantime, thousands will succumb to obesity-related illnesses.

“Obesity is about a simple equation – we take in too many calories and expend too few. Healthier food choices can address one side of that formula but we also need to make sure that we give equal attention to the other side of it – leading more active lives.”