In a bold move to combat soaring obesity rates, Newcastle upon Tyne, the birthplace of the iconic Greggs bakery chain, has implemented a ban on new takeaway and fast food openings.
The city council’s decision comes amidst complaints that fast food chains and takeaways have effectively colonised poorer areas, creating “food swamps” where access to healthy, nutritious meals is nearly impossible. The ban, which outlaws new takeaways in any ward where more than 10% of children aged 10 to 11 are obese, leaves only two wards unaffected.
This move follows a similar initiative in neighbouring Gateshead, which has banned new takeaways since 2015. Professor Amelia Lake of Teesside University notes that takeaways and fast food outlets tend to cluster in more deprived areas, exacerbating the problem.
While the ban has been touted as a vital tool to improve residents’ health, it has faced criticism from fast food companies, who argue that they are being unfairly targeted and prevented from investing and creating new jobs in the area. However, Alice Wiseman, director of public health for Newcastle City Council and Gateshead, emphasises the necessity of action, citing the impact of obesity on health, social care, and the wider economy.
The obesity crisis is not unique to Newcastle; a quarter of people in the UK are considered obese, according to the NHS. This issue is compounding the country’s productivity crisis, as tens of thousands of people are excluded from the workforce due to ill health. Henry Dimbleby, former government health adviser and founder of the Leon chain, stresses that tackling obesity is key to fixing the nation’s stagnant productivity.
As the Labour government faces pressure to restore Britain’s economic growth, Newcastle’s takeaway ban may be just the beginning of a nationwide effort to address the obesity epidemic. While fast food companies argue that the ban ignores the economic benefits they offer, health experts maintain that a comprehensive approach is needed to tackle the complex factors contributing to obesity, including food availability, affordability, and physical activity levels.
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