UK proposes to ban all online advertisements of junk food

12 November 2020

The UK government has recently introduced a proposal to restrict all online advertisements of food products that are high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS). This measure is a part of the government’s strategy to tackle obesity issues in the country.

Obesity is a major health problem in the UK nowadays. Nearly two-thirds of adults are overweight, and half of these are living with obesity. 1 in 3 children leaves primary school already being overweight or obese.

A lot of overweight or living with obesity people find it difficult to lose weight as they are frequently exposed to aggressive marketing of unhealthy food. Thus, in addition to various measures to help people live healthier lives, a ban on online advertising of HFSS food is proposed. Previously, the UK government also announced its intention to ban HFSS products being shown on TV and online before 9 pm to limit the amount of HFSS advertising children see.

Read the full proposal here.