MSPs support plans to tackle Scotland’s obesity problem

East Kilbride MSP Linda Fabiani has welcomed the plans for “weight management” in Scotland.

The SNP MSP backed health minister Aileen Campbell who has revealed plans to address portion sizes and calorie counts at restaurants, pubs and takeaways and promotional junk food offers and advertising.

Ms Fabiani, below, said: “I welcome the Scottish Government’s consultation which proposes a range of actions to improve diet and help with weight management in Scotland.

“East Kilbride residents have already been in touch with suggestions.

“As the government is already tackling other public health challenges such as alcohol use and smoking, it makes sense to look at other ways to try to improve the health of the whole population.

“What is important, though, is that everyone can give their own views about the way forward –portion sizes, along with restrictions on advertising and multi-buy promotions are all up for discussion.

“Scotland does have some of the worst obesity rates in the UK and, indeed, beyond.

“Many have been calling for action and I urge everyone with a view on this to respond to the consultation on how to tackle obesity.”

Conservative MSP for Central Scotland Graham Simpson supported the plans to improve health in the country and called for the Scottish Government to “make a real difference”.

Mr Simpson said: “Sixty-seven per cent of adults in Scotland are overweight, higher than the rate in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, and Scotland has one of the worst obesity records among OECD countries.

“The SNP have been in charge for 10 years and have entirely failed to tackle Scotland’s increasing obesity problems.

“The Scottish Conservatives believe preventative measures are essential to tackling Scotland’s obesity problems, and earlier this year published a policy paper exploring how an active lifestyle and good nutrition can help promote a healthy lifestyle and reduce inequalities.

“We welcome the UK Government’s introduction of the soft drinks industry levy and the ban on advertising less healthy food to children.

“We are looking forward to working with the Scottish Government to ensure their diet and obesity strategy is robust and ambitious enough to make a real difference to people and call on them to take action on multi-buy promotions on unhealthy foods.”