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Dept of Health

Answer

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps the Government take to inform the public about weight loss options; [118967] (2) what information the Government issues regarding proven and unproven weight loss programmes; [118968] (3) what research the Government have undertaken to evaluate the different weight loss programmes available in the commercial market; [118969] (4) what research the Government have undertaken into the long-term effects of commercial weight loss programmes. [118970] Miss Melanie Johnson: An evidence-based approach is being taken to tackle the prevention and management of obesity. The Health Development Agency (HDA) will publish its review of effective interventions for the prevention and treatment of obesity later this year. A systematic review carried out by the University of York in 1997 indicated that effective interventions for obesity include diet, physical activity and behavioural strategies for adults in combination where possible. The health technology assessment programme, a national programme of research established and funded by the Department of Health research and development programme, currently includes a systematic review of obesity treatments which will update the 1997 review, publication of which is expected in January 2004. Commercial programmes which meet the inclusion criteria of these reviews will be assessed. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), collaborating with the HDA, have been tasked by the Department to develop guidance on the identification, prevention and management of obesity and maintenance of weight reduction. Novel diets can be a variation of a "very low calorie diet" (VLCD): one which provides approximately less than 800 calories per day. A Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy (COMA 1987) report on VLCDs highlighted that a major criticism of them is that individuals frequently re-gain any weight lost after the diet has ended. A 1998 report by the Royal College of Physicians on the "Clinical management of overweight and obese patients" supported the findings of the COMA panel. Primary care has a particularly important role in the prevention and management of obesity. Local action is being delivered through the national service frameworks, which aim to improve standards of care, and the Priorities and Planning Framework. The Department has 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 Department also contributed to the funding of the charity Weight Concern (through a Section 64 grant) to develop a "toolkit" on obesity for health professionals to use with patients in a group setting. The Food Standards Agency supports projects relating to diet and nutrition and promoting the uptake of a healthy balanced diet in order to maintain a healthy weight throughout life and have an important role in providing consumers with information on healthy eating.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

408 c781-2W;408 c779-80W; 118967;118968;118969;118970

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Diets Publicity Obesity Safety

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk