The Government's right, this is definitely too big to be a mid-morning snack
The Government has set a new target in the bid to cut obesity rates in the UK - we're being ordered to eat less. It wants to see us as a nation consumer 5 billion fewer calories a day.
England has one of the highest rates of obesity in Europe; more than 60% of adults and a third of 10 and 11 year olds are overweight, according to official figures.
To turn around the nation's unhealthy lifestyles, the Government wants us to:
- REDUCE our daily calorie intake. The new recommended calorie intake for women is 2079 calories per day. Men should limit their intake to 2605 calories.
- LEARN to maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout our lives.
- REACH and maintain a healthy lifelong body weight.
Chief Medical Officer Prof Dame Sally Davies called for us all to be more honest with ourselves about our eating and drinking habits - saying that for the majority of adults and many children that meant eating and drinking less.
According to Health Secretary Andrew Lansley, 'We have to halt and then reverse the tide of obesity in this country.
'Reducing the number of calories we consume is essential. It can happen if we continue action to reduce calories in everyday foods and drinks, and if all of us who are overweight take simple steps to reduce our calorie intake.
'If we collectively rise to the challenge we have set... we can create an environment that helps people make informed, balanced choices about their health and reduce the burden of obesity.'
Obesity is a leading cause of serious diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
Prof Davies says, 'Being overweight or obese is a direct consequence of eating more calories than we need. Increasing physical activity is a part of the equation, but reducing the amount of calories we consume is key.
'We all have a role to play, from businesses to local authorities, but as individuals we all need to take responsibility. This means thinking about what we eat and thinking about the number of calories in our diets to maintain a healthy weight.'
Zest says: 'Zesties are generally very aware of what they eat and try hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle. While the Government is right to target high daily calorie intakes as a major part of the obesity problem, encouraging regular exercise would go a long way to helping people with a weight problem to keep off the pounds.'
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