NHS to limit sugary drinks sales in hospitals

sugar

The NHS is restricting sugar-sweetened drinks in hospitals to cut patient, visitor and staff sugar consumption.

Trusts across England have pledged to reduce sales of sugary drinks to 10% or less.

Hospitals already signed up claim to have experienced a significant reduction in sugar-sweetened drinks sales.

‘Every hospital in the country is now answering this important call to action,’ NHS England chief executive, Simon Stevens, said.

‘The NHS is rightly leading the way in battling the growing obesity epidemic across the country.

‘Obesity and its associated dangers is a worrying challenge facing the NHS.

‘It’s crucial that we take action where we can to avoid a long list of preventable problems in the years ahead.’

Reducing sugar consumption

Some estimates claim more than half of the NHS workforce in England are currently overweight or obese.

Trusts are being incentivised to reduce the amount of confectionary available in hospitals.

NHS England claims 23 trusts have decided to stop selling sugary drinks altogether.

‘We have been clear that the growing obesity rates sweeping the country are a public health crisis,’ Professor Jonathan Valabhji, national clinical director for diabetes and obesity at NHS England, said.

‘Obesity’s associated with type 2 diabetes, heart attacks, many of the common forms of cancer, and a string of other illnesses.

‘Our own sugar restrictions are delivering good results.

‘As part of the long-term plan we are exploring all potential options, including very low calorie diets to tackle obesity and type 2 diabetes.’


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