Healthier food advertising policies

Every child deserves the chance to be healthy no matter where they live.

Our neighbourhoods should provide affordable healthy food. But while the spotlight is on burgers, biscuits and sugary drinks, our children are more likely to live with food related ill health such as type 2 diabetes, tooth decay and future cancers. In fact, one in three children leaving primary school is now living with overweight or obesity, with those living in the most deprived neighbourhoods at the highest risk¹ leaving serious consequences for the individual, the NHS and the economy. And that doesn’t look set to change any time soon unless we take action.

So how did we get here? There are of course many factors, but marketing is an extremely powerful force for shifting sales. Companies wouldn’t spend millions on it if it didn’t work. They profit at the expense of children’s ill health, leaving the NHS and our economy to pick up the pieces.

Our children deserve better. Isn’t it about time we used that powerful creativity and marketing expertise for good? Marketers can be positive changemakers as they channel their skills into setting the stage for healthier food. There are plenty of companies with healthier products ready to step into the space. Let’s champion our children’s health by switching the spotlight to healthier foods and drinks.

Quick facts about Healthier Food Advertising Policies

Sustain has supported 18 local governments and Transport for London to successfully introduce robust healthier food advertising policies

More than 150 local governments are now consulting with Sustain to bring in their own policy

Research shows the healthier food advertising policy on the Transport for London estate led to a 20% decrease in sugary product purchases

1. Department of Health and Social Care. Obesity Profile. https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/national-child-measurement-programme