APPG Chair marks World Obesity Day

Today marks World Obesity Day. World Obesity Day has long been a vital tool in promoting awareness and understanding of obesity and related issues, but the Covid-19 pandemic has given today’s event a unique importance.  

The unprecedented crisis of the past year has made the need to address the issue of obesity clearer than ever. The pandemic has affected so many people’s lives, and the link between obesity and increased risk from Covid-19 has become undeniable. As a country, we must do more to prevent, manage and tackle obesity to ensure that such suffering does not occur again. As we look to the future in the post-pandemic world, the Government and policymakers must learn the lessons from this crisis and incorporate them into future public health policy.

Of course, obesity affects many different health issues beyond Covid-19. The impacts of obesity are seen in the treatment of conditions such as cancer, diabetes and liver failure, as well as in social care and mental health services. Beyond this, it has become clear that obesity is an important consideration for almost every aspect of our society, including education, productivity and employment. Our future approach must address all of these issues, and work to both prevent obesity and support people currently living with obesity.

I was pleased to see the Government dedicate attention to obesity issues in their recent White Paper. This legislation presents a vital opportunity to take forward the lessons learned during the pandemic. I am proud that the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Obesity will be working to engage with these proposals through the legislative process, and to see how we may be able to use this opportunity to further tackle obesity issues and allow people to live longer, happier and healthier lives.

Mary Glindon MP is the Chair of the APPG on Obesity. She can be contacted at mary.glindon.mp@parliament.uk.