BRITAIN today announced proposals in response to the country’s “obesity time bomb”, among them a ban on ads for junk food at specific times and the cancellation of “buy one, free one” deals for such items, reported the Xinhua news agency.

According to the plans, ads promoting unhealthy foodstuff can only be aired after 9pm, and calorie information must be listed on menus, including for alcoholic beverages.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who lost weight during his time in hospital for Covid-19, aims to tackle obesity after studies showed that it increases the risk of coronavirus-related deaths.

The UK is far fatter than any other nation in Europe except for Malta, he said last month, adding that his government is making “tackling the obesity time bomb” a priority.

“Losing weight is hard, but with some small changes, we can all feel fitter and healthier.

“If we all do our bit, we can reduce our health risks and protect ourselves against the coronavirus, as well as take pressure off NHS (National Health Service).” – Bernama, July 27, 2020.