Responding to the publication of , Professor Steve Turner, Officer for Scotland for the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) said:
鈥淲ith 29% of children in Scotland overweight or obese, this encouraging delivery plan comes at a pivotal time. The plan鈥檚 recognition of early intervention and the strength of policy shows, yet again, that Scottish Government truly care about public health.
鈥淪cottish Government鈥檚 ambitious pledge to halve childhood obesity by 2030 is particularly welcome as is its suite of recommendations related to foods high in salt, sugar and fat, including consultations on restricting the promotion and marketing of certain unhealthy food and drink and an 鈥渙ut of home" strategy to encourage food outlets to provide calorie information to customers. We also applaud Scottish Government鈥檚 commitment to invest in tackling poverty and food insecurity over school holidays as we know poverty is a major barrier to good public health.
鈥淚n its plan, Scottish Government demonstrate the importance of education by providing healthy weight support for women before conception, a boost to breastfeeding and parenting support services and providing enhanced training for health professionals. Just like the rest of the UK, Scotland is struggling to get a grip on obesity rates but these bold policies are the catalyst required to create good health. However, despite the plan鈥檚 many merits, there are some flaws.
鈥淭o create a truly healthier Scotland, Government must introduce nutrition standards on all menus in hospitals and schools, as guidance alone is not enough. It must also work with local councils to provide planning support, to ensure any new development has its community鈥檚 health and wellbeing at its heart.鈥