The UK government has today published its plans to tackle obesity and “empower adults and children to live healthier lives” post-COVID.
Under this new strategy, the government intends to ban advertisements of High Fat, Salt or Sugar (HFSS) products on television and online before 9pm, end the promotion of HFSS products in stores – including some half price offers, ‘buy one get one free’ offers and unhealthy snacks located at tills/checkouts – and ask restaurants, cafes and bars to disclose calorific content on on menus.
Changes will also be made to the ‘traffic light’ food labelling system.
The plans form part of the #BetterHealth campaign, of which COVID-19 has provided a “wake-up call” for.
Tackling obesity has been identified by the government as “one of the greatest long-term health challenges this country faces”.
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According to government data, two-thirds (63%) of UK adults are above a healthy weight, with 36% overweight and 28% obese, one in three children aged 10 to 11 are overweight or obese, and children living with obesity are five times more likely to become obese adults.
We’re taking action to help you fight obesity by:
➡️Banning adverts for high fat, salt or sugar products on TV and online before 9pm ➡️Calorie labelling in restaurants, cafes and takeaways ➡️Ending promotion of high fat, sugar or salt products in store and online
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) July 27, 2020
In the plans – published via the gov.uk website this morning – the government stated that: “Our country’s rates of obesity are storing up future problems for individuals and our NHS, but worryingly, there is now consistent evidence that people who are overweight or living with obesity who contract coronavirus (COVID-19) are more likely to be admitted to hospital, to an intensive care unit and, sadly to die from COVID-19 compared to those of a healthy body weight status.”
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“Obesity has become an immediate concern for anyone who is overweight and for our health and care services.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the plans would help “reduce our health risks and protect ourselves against coronavirus” and has admitted himself to losing around a stone since recovering from his admission to hospital with COVID-19 in April.
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.
Writing in The Daily Telegraph today, Health Secretary Matt Hancock also added that: “This deadly virus has given us a wake-up call about the need to tackle the stark inequalities in our nation’s health,”
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“Obesity is an urgent example of this.”
“If everyone who is overweight lost five pounds it could save the NHS more than £100 million over the next five years. And more importantly, given the link between obesity and coronavirus, losing weight could be life-saving.”
We want to see more healthier products on food promotions to encourage healthier choices.
We will legislate to end the promotion of products high in fat, sugar & salt based on:
▶️ volume like 'buy one get one free' offers ▶️ location
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) July 27, 2020
Advertising rules are failing to protect children from seeing adverts for products high in fat, sugar or salt which are affecting their food preferences from a young age.
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) July 27, 2020
Front of pack nutrition labelling helps shoppers to make informed decisions when purchasing food.
We will consult on our current ‘traffic light’ labelling system to learn more about how this is being used by consumers and industry.#BetterHealthpic.twitter.com/QV2pKYMp5K
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) July 27, 2020
Along with the ban on TV and online adverts before the watershed, the government said it would hold a consultation on whether to stop fast food adverts online altogether.
Labelling of calories on menus will apply to any restaurant, cafe or takeaway chain with more than 250 employees, and another new consultation will be launched around plans to provide the same information for alcoholic drinks.
The government is aiming to fully implement each of these measures before the end of 2022.
More information on today’s announcements can be found via the Department of Health and Social Care on Twitter here, and you can read the full plans for the #BetterHealth campaign via the gov.uk website here.
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 20 – 26 April 2026
Emily Sergeant
April is beginning to draw to a close now, and it won’t be long before May is here… where IS this year going, honestly?
Now that it’s officially spring in the UK, there’s obviously loads of events and activities to be getting up to across Greater Manchester this week. Just as long as those classic ‘April showers’ don’t show their face too much, that is.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
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Matilda The Musical
Manchester Palace Theatre
Monday 20 – Saturday 25 April
Matilda The Musical / Credit: The Manc | Supplied
This is your last week to catch Matilda The Musical in Manchester.
The RSC’s smash-hit musical – which is based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book of the same name – is currently on a tour of the UK and Ireland, and this includes a special four-week run at Manchester’s iconic Palace Theatre.
Written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, and developed and directed by Matthew Warchus, the beloved production about a determined heroine with a vivid imagination has won hearts all over the globe.
Find out more and see if you can grab yourself some last-minute tickets here.
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos / Credit: Science Museum Group | BBC
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos has made its world premiere at the Science and Industry Museum, and is inviting visitors to explore our wondrous Solar System.
Fresh off-the-back of the new BBC Children’s and Education TV show, Horrible Science, the ‘thrilling’ new exhibition encouraging visitors to ‘do science the horrible way’, and join both scientists and supervillains to unveil the secrets of space.
The new exhibition propels families up into space where mystery, intrigue, and rocket-loads of silly and surprising science await. You’ll get to venture through a series of cosmic zones, walk in the shoes of astronauts, explore the life-giving energy of the sun, marvel at mysterious moons, and discover far-off weird worlds.
Did you see that the spectacular 360° immersive experience that’s currently lighting up Manchester Cathedral has extended its run in our city?
That’s right – due to ‘overwhelming demand’ and following a roster of impressive reviews since making its UK debut earlier this year, LUMINISCENCE has now extended its run at Manchester Cathedral until the early summer.
LUMINISCENCE combines 360° video mapping, new orchestral arrangements of iconic songs, and a narrative story celebrating everything that makes Manchester and its residents so special.
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Visitors are invited to step into a ‘spellbinding fusion’ of light, sound, and storytelling. Find out more and get tickets here.
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Picasso: A Legacy
Castle Fine Art
Monday 20 April – 4 May
Picasso: A Legacy / Credit: Supplied
A new free exhibition by Pablo Picasso is currently open in Manchester, including works never-before seen on public display.
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The new exhibition, titled Picasso: A Legacy, is comprised of more than 35 original works on paper and ceramics, all of which were created by the artist from the mid 1930s up until his death in 1973, and visitors will get to be guided through the last four decades of his life.
You’ll also get to encounter the artist’s lovers and muses, mythological alter egos, and playful zoomorphic ceramics, as well as feats of frantic artistic output that made up Picasso’s final decade.
Works from legendary Japanese artists Hokusai and Hiroshige have now arrived in the city.
Opening the Whitworth’s first exhibition of Japanese print in more than a century, ‘Beneath the Great Wave’, features colourful woodblock ukiyo-e prints from Edo-period Japan, dating as far back as 1700s – including the iconic ‘Under the Wave off Kanagawa’.
It’s an easy shout if you fancy something different this week, oh and even better, it’s completely FREE to enter and look around.
Two floors, three bars, and plenty of craic – Katie O’Brien’s has now arrived in Manchester.
That’s right – Katie O’Brien’s has just opened its doors on Peter Street, transforming the old Peaky Blinders bar into a lively Irish tavern with plenty of charm, and I think we can all agree this is looking pretty impressive.
There’s both Murphy’s AND Guinness on tap, live music seven nights a week, and all sorts of cosy snugs to hide away in.
Whether you’re hitting the dance floor beneath the elevated main stage, or hiding away nursing a pint with pals, they’ve got your back.
Hatter’s is a brand-new food hall that’s just opened up in Denton, with four kitchens and two bars across a huge two-storey venue.
In the kitchens, they’ve got the legendary Tameside Italian Ornella’s, Christmas Markets favourite Waffle Kart, the delightful Spanish kitchen Casa Dario, and Oldham’s much-loved meat experts Curio.
That means you can get pizza and tiramisu, Asian-inspired chicken and waffles, Argentinian steaks, and authentic Spanish paella and tortilla, all under one roof.
Get ready to have your very own Patrick Swayze moment, because there’s a gorgeous new spot just opened in the Northern Quarter where you can craft your very own pottery pieces.
At House Pottery, you can make your own, bowl, cup, or candlestick on a traditional pottery wheel.
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They do classes for all different skill levels, so whether you choose to go alone, or as a group, the lovely professionals are there to guide you throughout.
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Oasis Supernova – The Maine Event 30th Anniversary
Manchester Academy 1
Saturday 25 April
Oasis Supernova – The Maine Event 30th Anniversary / Credit: Supplied
Oasis Supernova are celebrating the 30 year anniversary of Oasis playing their legendary Maine Road shows by taking to the stage themselves at Manchester Academy 1 this Saturday (25 April) for one night only, and it’s shaping up to be the place to be.
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Expect wall-to-wall anthems, electric atmosphere, and a crowd that knows every word, as we celebrate one of the greatest bands to ever do it.
This isn’t just another tribute night – it’s a full-blown, hands-in-the-air, sing-it-like-you-mean-it experience. A huge video wall showing iconic gig footage, brass section, live harmonica and strings, play, alongside the world’s premier Oasis tribute band.
Can you believe Oxygen is turning a year old this month?
That’s right – MediaCity’s massive trampoline park has been open one whole year this month, and you’re invited down to celebrate, with play sessions available for just £10 this weekend.
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Whether the kids want to try out some new tricks on the trampolines and giant airbag, or love heights and fancy exploring the High Ropes Course and indoor ‘Sky Rider’, there’s plenty of fun to be had.
With Open Play, Toddler Play, birthday party bookings and even dedicated SEN Peaceful Play sessions – there’s something for everyone. And then after all that fun, you can gather up the gang and get stuck into food and drinks from the on-site cafe.
Get booking your day out at Oxygen MediaCity here.
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Stuck for somewhere to have a bite to eat?
Just like we do every month, we’ve rounded up some of the best things we got to eat in March, so if you’re on the hunt for somewhere new to eat in April, then we’ve absolutely got you covered as there’s plenty of places across the city region.
It’s been another jam-packed month of insanely delicious eats, and we’ve been lucky to have a bunch of new openings too. From mini tiramisu drawers, to Magnum-stuffed croissants, egg custard tarts, and more, we’ve been scoffing the lot.
Sacha Lord set to back local hospitality again with money behind the bar of one Greater Manchester pub
Danny Jones
Local figure Sacha Lord is once again looking to help support Greater Manchester’s food and drink scene once again this spring by putting a total of £2.5k behind the bar of one lucky pub.
Well, let’s be honest, we’re about to be the real lucky ones.
It’s far from the first time that the Night Time Economy Advisor has done this, having previously put sizeable sums towards shared tabs on a few ocassions over the last few years.
Lining up his next handout for this coming early May bank holiday (perfect timing), it’s going to be a super and potentially very sloppy Sunday…
Tell me your favourite pub in Greater Manchester.
Bank Holiday Sunday 3rd May, I’ll be turning up and putting £2500 behind the bar.
Sharing the video above online earlier this week, the 54-year-old simply wrote, “Tell me your favourite pub in Greater Manchester. Bank Holiday Sunday, 3rd May, I’ll be turning up and putting £2500 behind the bar.”
The message is as straightforward as ever: “Support your local pub.”
Now obviously, the fact that people can reply with their go-to boozers and help influence the decision is one thing – something that has certainly always created an attraction each time he’s done this – but it’s also just a good way of marketing these watering holes to begin with.
Whether or not someone’s favourite public house tucked away in one of the 10 boroughs, or their bar of choice here in Manchester city centre, ends up being selected or not, it’s obviously great publicity having their names plastered on a notable social media account.
This is especially so when you see how much the post itself ends up being reshared and the overall exposure Lord ultimately lends them via creating such a big crowd discussion.
Here’s hoping we get proper beer garden weather over that long weekend.
It’s also worth noting that the further support stunts like this have helped garner support for other regional businesses – in particular, indies that are battling the cost of living crisis and so many other challenges within the sector – has proved crucial for some places to stay open to begin with.
A good example is the Thirsty Korean, who teamed up with the Altrincham-born entrepreneur to cover hundreds of bills back in 2023, and has now been able to expand into a larger venue down the road from their original Chorlton location.
The obstacles facing the hospitality industry remain varied and numerous, but gestures like this can go a long way to helping prop up those who need it.
The Manc -
27th July 2020 
