Obesity: Unhealthy food deals will be banned in England

New plans to tackle obesity in England have been announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The word obesity means being so overweight that it's bad for your health.

"Buy one get one free" deals on unhealthy food will be banned, and stricter rules on where foods high in fat and sugar can be promoted in store will be introduced.

Earlier this week, the Conservative government announced plans to ban junk food adverts on television before 9pm for the whole of the UK, to help tackle the problem.

It is thought that Mr Johnson has had a change of heart about using restrictions on unhealthy food products

Previously, the prime minister has been against restricting UK fast food advertising and taxing companies who use lots of unhealthy ingredients in their products.

But he now says he has had a change of heart after he caught coronavirus earlier this year, and spent time in hospital.

Mr Johnson said having more healthy, more active lives will "reduce our health risks and protect ourselves against coronavirus".

How does being obese affect your health?

Food can have a big impact on someone's weight

The UK has one of the highest levels of obesity in the world, according to data from the World Health Organization.

Being obese can be very dangerous to your health and doctors say that if you're overweight as a child you're likely to be overweight as an adult.

Scientific studies have shown that being overweight can increase the risk of developing certain diseases, including heart disease, cancer and could also result in having weak bones.

An unhealthy diet that includes lots of sugar can also lead to someone developing type 2 diabetes.

It's important to note that some people who are not overweight can still have unhealthy diets or may not exercise enough.

Eating a balanced diet and exercising are the best things we all can do to be healthy - both physically and mentally.

What has the reaction been to the new plans?

If you eat more food than your body needs, it turns into fat

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "Everyone knows how hard losing weight can be, so we are taking bold action to help everyone who needs it."

Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at Public Health England, also backed the strategy, saying it would "save lives".

"These bold measures will help us tip the scales on obesity. The argument for action is the clearest it's ever been," she added.

But Adam Briggs from the Health Foundation, an independent charity who promote health care in the UK, said: "There is little sign of policies that will address the root causes of obesity."

What else is being done to help tackle obesity?

Doctors will start prescribing cycling more often to combat obesity

As well as the ban on junk food adverts before 9pm, the government is expected to launch a national health campaign.

The £10 million campaign will see the introduction of "a 12-week plan that everyone can use to develop healthier eating habits, get more active and lose weight", according to government sources.

And as part of the new campaign, doctors will be encouraged to recommend activities like walking or cycling to work and school.

There will also be more support given to people who are at risk of developing diabetes and weight loss programmes.

What do you think of the new government plans? Let us know in the comments below!