Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to reports that over a quarter of UK adults are obese with this forecasted to rise to 40 per cent by 2030, whether they have any plans for a national obesity policy plan; and whether medical treatment, including digital weight management services, will be part of this.

Supporting people to stay healthier for longer is at the heart of the Government’s Health Mission.

The Government recognises that prevention will always be better than a cure. We are committed to tackling the obstacles driving obesity. We have already laid secondary legislation to restrict advertisements of less healthy food and drinks to children on television and online, we have announced changes to the planning framework for fast food near schools, and we are taking steps to ensure the Soft Drinks Industry Levy remains effective and fit-for-purpose.

However, over 28% of adults in England are living with obesity, putting them at risk of a range of health conditions. Local government and the National Health Service already provide a range of services to help people living with obesity to lose weight. These range from 12-week behavioural programmes, including the NHS digital weight management programme, to specialist services for those living with severe obesity and the associated co-morbidities, which can include obesity medicines and surgery. Obesity medicines can be effective for some patients living with obesity when prescribed alongside diet, physical activity, and behavioural support, and the NHS is continuing to look at the best way to manage access to treatments recommended for managing obesity by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Exactly what treatment is most appropriate for an individual is down to health care professionals to advise, in discussion with patients, and considering relevant clinical guidance.

Further action on obesity under the Government’s Health Mission will be set out in due course.