27th July 2020

Coronavirus: Boris Johnson says he was 'too fat' as he launches obesity crackdown in the UK

By Sky News

Boris Johnson has said he used to be "too fat" as he announced a national crackdown on obesity.

The prime minister claimed he was "way overweight" when he got struck down with coronavirus in April, but that since his recovery he has been "building up my fitness" with a morning jog.

He added the plan to ban junk food adverts on TV and online before the watershed and stopping shops from displaying sweets and chocolates at supermarket checkouts was not meant to be "excessively bossy" but a gentle nudge.

Also planned is an end to "buy one, get one free" promotions on high-fat products as part of Mr Johnson's new "Better Health" campaign.

He is encouraging Britons to lose weight to save the NHS time and money.

People who are clinically obese are 40% more likely to die of COVID-19, according to new Public Health England figures.

Mr Johnson's time in intensive care has seen him U-turn on his approach to the country's waistlines, after previous criticisms of so-called "sin taxes" and "nannying" by the government.

He said of the changes outlined on Monday: "Losing weight is hard but with some small changes we can all feel fitter and healthier.

"If we all do our bit, we can reduce our health risks and protect ourselves against coronavirus - as well as taking pressure off the NHS."

The changes will also force large restaurants, cafes and takeaways with more than 250 employees to put calorie labels on their food.

There will be a further consultation on whether the same calorie counts should be applied to alcohol before the end of the year and if the ad ban should be extended further online, the Department of Health said.

As part of the programme, NHS weight loss services will also be expanded, while GPs will be encouraged to prescribe bike rides, with patients in pilot areas to be given access to bikes.

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