A healthier future - action and ambitions on diet, activity and healthy weight

Overview

This consultation document proposes a range of actions to improve diet and weight in Scotland.  It draws on experience of implementing the Obesity Route Map, the learning from tackling other public health challenges such as alcohol use and smoking, and a growing body of evidence on the action necessary to improve the health of the whole population. 

Tackling obesity has already been identified as a priority in Programme for Government with key commitments to limit the marketing of food high in fat, sugar and salt and provide more support for people with type 2 diabetes to lose weight.  In launching the consultation, the Government announced funding of £42 million over the next 5 years to expand these services.

Other proposals include:

• action on junk food advertising
• action on food purchases for consumption outside the home
• preventative services including information, advice and support for children and families on healthy eating
• practical support for small & medium sized food manufacturers to reformulate and develop healthier products
• a range of opportunities for people to be more active
• working with the public sector and a wide range of partners to support local improvement work on diet & weight

Why your views matter

We want to hear the views of a wide range of stakeholders on our proposals, the priorities, implementation, and - looking ahead - what more should be done. The evidence on how best to tackle obesity continues to develop so we regard this as a progressive plan of action on which we are open to new ideas and thinking.

Download the consultation paper.