Written question asked by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 24 September 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 22 October 2002. It was answered by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 October 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has for newspaper, television and radio campaigns concerning obesity, weight loss and healthy living.

Answer: Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for newspaper, television and radio campaigns concerning obesity, weight loss and healthy living. [74462] Ms Blears: We have no plans to run specific campaigns on obesity, weight loss and healthy living, although we will be extensively publicising the Five-a-day programme from the New Year. We have also funded the British Dietetic Association, as part of their Weight Wise campaign, to undertake project work on consumer messages and communication methods relating to weight management. The prevention and management of obesity are at the heart of many of the Government's priority areas, as highlighted in the NHS Plan and national service frameworks, particularly those outlining action on CHD and diabetes. Other commitments are also likely to have a positive impact on the prevention and management of obesity, including the infant feeding initiative, the national school fruit scheme, the food in schools programme and work with the food industry to address the sugar, fat and salt content of the diet. There is also substantial cross-government work to increase physical activity levels.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 391 c264W;391 c264-5W; 74462
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Diets Health education Fruit Pupils Newspaper press Publicity Nutrition Radio Physical education Obesity Television Exercise
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk