- Over 50 countries encouraged to sign up to network, set
to launch in spring 2022
- Network will address rising rates of global obesity by
cutting sugar and calories in food and drink products
The UK has been chosen by the World Health Organization
(WHO) to lead a new Sugar and Calorie Reduction Network to
take global action on sugar and calorie reduction.
Speaking at the WHO Regional Committee for Europe today
(Monday 13 September), the Chief Medical Officer, announced
the formation of the network, which will work with
countries across Europe to reduce sugar and calorie intake.
The WHO’s EU region covers around 50 countries, with a much
wider reach than the European Commission’s remit.
The UK has agreed to use its world-leading expertise in
domestic sugar and calorie reduction to support its
European neighbours. Work will take place with the food and
drink industry to make their products healthier by reducing
sugar content in products high in fat, salt and sugar
(HFSS), helping to tackle global rates of obesity.
In a global market where food is increasingly supplied by
the same international companies, collective action on
reducing sugar and calories will galvanise the food
industry to take greater and faster action. The network’s
member states will share learning and technical expertise
to encourage manufacturers to reformulate products by
cutting the amount of sugar, and therefore calories, in
food and drinks to ensure they are healthier.
The network will support the UK government’s key existing
commitments to the sugar and calorie reduction programmes
and to take tackling obesity onto the global stage as part
of its Tackling Obesity strategy, published last year.
These programmes challenge the food industry across the UK
to reduce the sugar and calorie in foods most commonly
consumed by children. The UK has seen good progress with
its sugar reduction programme – with sugar reduced by 13%
in breakfast cereals, yogurts and fromage frais.
The Department of Health and Social Care’s new Office for
Health Improvement and Disparities – launching on October
1st - will lead national efforts to improve and level up
the health of the nation by tackling obesity, helping
improve mental health and promoting physical activity.
Health and Social Care Secretary, said:
It’s a testament to the success of our pioneering work in
the UK to help people eat more healthily that we have
been chosen to lead this programme.
We will work closely with our European partners to
challenge the food industry to reduce sugar and calories
in its products – reducing obesity, relieving pressure on
health services and increasing our resilience to COVID-19
and any future pandemics.
Today’s announcement puts into action the UK’s ‘Global
Britain’ ambitions, with the UK working with member states
to drive forward collective action to influence both Europe
and the world in tackling obesity.
Evidence suggests that people living with obesity are at
greater risk of being seriously ill and dying from
COVID-19. By taking action to reduce sugar and calories in
food and drink, the network will not only address rising
rates of global obesity, but increase global resilience
both to COVID-19 and future pandemics.
Public Health Minister, said:
Obesity is a global problem and we need to take urgent
action to help people live healthier lives. This starts
with the food and drink we consume and reducing the
elements that are bad for our health.
Following strong action through our healthy weight
strategy, I am delighted the UK will lead this
international network to reformulate products and promote
healthier food choices for people across Europe.
The WHO Sugar and Calorie Reduction Network will launch in
spring 2022 and the WHO EU will be reaching out to member
states inviting them to join. The WHO EU region covers
around 50 countries, meaning that it extends beyond the
European Commission’s framework for action and would have a
much wider reach.
