Chief Medical Officer’s Annual Report 2024
The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) annual report for England examines the health challenges present in major cities in the country. The report highlights how cities, which vary in socioeconomic demographic, see a high concentration of fast-food advertising and restaurant outlets in areas of greater deprivation. These factors drive further health inequalities by promoting foods high in fat, salt and sugar, contributing to a lack of accessible healthy food choices and increased diet related diseases, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.
The report pulls on a case study from Recipe for Change,* which outlines the effectiveness of a salt and sugar industry levy and calls for better regulation to best prevent diseases and spending on healthcare.
Kawther Hashem, Head of Impact and Research at Action on Sugar, quoted: "This report illustrates the urgent need for both national and local governments to take decisive action to improve our food environment and reduce diet-related diseases. The stark health disparities it highlights demand stronger approaches to create meaningful change.
'Healthy food ‘deserts’ in cities, coupled with relentless unhealthy food advertising, are setting children up for shorter, unhealthier lives, disproportionately impacting poorer families. Tackling the root causes of unhealthy eating – such as the high availability of foods high in fat, sugar, and salt, and the stark cost difference between healthy and unhealthy options – must be a priority if we are to ensure every child has the chance to grow up healthy and thrive."
The full report can be read on the government website.
*Recipe for Change is a coalition calling for an industry levy to help make food healthier. Further details can be found on the Recipe for Change website.
