应对儿童肥胖问题，英国实施垃圾食品广告禁令

Core Viewpoint - The UK has implemented a ban on junk food advertising aimed at children, effective from January 5, to combat rising childhood obesity rates, with expected annual health benefits of approximately £2 billion [1][2]. Group 1: Advertising Ban Details - The ban prohibits advertisements for high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt (HFSS) foods and beverages on television before 9 PM and completely online [1]. - The government anticipates that this ban will help reduce children's caloric intake by 7.2 billion calories annually and decrease obesity cases by 20,000 [1]. - The ban includes a wide range of products, such as soft drinks, chocolates, candies, pizzas, and ice creams, as well as some breakfast cereals and sweetened breads [1]. Group 2: Health Context and Rationale - The ban is a response to alarming health statistics, with nearly 10% of preschool children in the UK classified as obese, and 22.1% of primary school children in England being overweight or obese [2]. - The NHS incurs over £11 billion in additional costs annually due to obesity-related issues, and exposure to unhealthy food advertisements is linked to poor dietary choices and increased obesity risk [2]. - The initiative is part of a broader strategy to shift the NHS focus from treating diseases to preventing them, aiming to provide children with a healthier start in life [2]. Group 3: Industry Response and Future Directions - The ban encourages food manufacturers to develop healthier product alternatives, as companies can still promote "healthier versions" of banned products [1]. - Experts advocate for making healthy foods more affordable and accessible, emphasizing the need for local governments to have the authority to restrict fast food outlets near schools [2].