Dr Hilary's urgent plea to alter the obesity crisis - 'it's crippling the NHS'
“When you look at the huge quantities of sugar, salt, and saturated fat that’s being consumed, it is contributing to the patients that we’re seeing in hospital on a daily basis,” Dr Hilary explained. The death rate from heart disease and stroke is “overwhelming – it’s crippling the NHS”, the doctor stated. A landmark report, commissioned by the Government in 2019 for its post-Brexit food strategy, recommended a “sugar and salt reformation tax”.
Created by food entrepreneur Henry Dimbleby, the money gained by the tax is proposed to expand free school meals and improve the diet of the nation.
The report highlighted that a poor diet contributes to 64,000 deaths every year, costing the economy an estimated £74 billion.
The comprehensive review suggested a £3 per kg on sugar, and a £6 per kg on salt – paid for by the food manufacturers.
Dr Hilary explained that salt draws water into the blood circulation, causing blood pressure to increase and the heart to work harder.
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