The Entire United Kingdom Has Been Put On A Diet
The United Kingdom has become the first country to combat the rising levels of obesity by challenging the food industry. They have done so by demanding foods to be cut in calories by 20%.
A study published by Public Health England shows that obese boys and girls in England are consuming 500 and 290 excess calories each day, respectively. In the years 2015-16, more than 20% of children in their first year of school were classed as overweight or obese, thus UK’s Department of Health and Social Care are seeking a reduction in calories from foods.
The agency also introduced its latest plan in an attempt to get adults to eat fewer calories each meal, setting out a plan of 400-600-600. This new plan allows 400 calories for breakfast, and 600 each for lunch and dinner. The average adult’s recommended calorific intake for an adult male is 2,500 calories and 2,000 for women – so eating only 1600 calories should help individuals lose weight.
The foods targeted in this campaign include ready meals, sauces, dressings, meats, pizzas, and meal deals. Food retailers have been given three ways to reduce the calorific content of foods: by reducing the portion size, changing the recipe, or by encouraging customers to buy lower-calorie products.
