Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the answer by Lord Bethell on 4 June (HL Deb, col 1442), what is their policy on weight shaming; and what plans they have to (1) follow scientific advice, and (2) endorse effective strategies, for eradicating any form of weight stigma; and what assessment they have made of various evidence showing that such stigma (a) leads to both physical and psychological harm, (b) increases the likelihood of unhealthy behaviours and weight gain, and (c) is linked to health inequalities, racism and sexism.

We oppose weight shaming. Our focus is on tackling the causes of obesity, improving diets and preventing ill health. Many of the measures in the three chapters of the childhood obesity plan will have an impact on reducing obesity and improving diets across all age groups.

In addition, Public Health England encourages the population to follow a healthy balanced diet through the 5 A Day campaign, Change4Life and OneYou social marketing campaigns.