Chris Whitty Calls for Junk Food Tax to Combat Childhood Obesity Crisis

England’s chief medical officer highlights health inequalities driven by unhealthy food environments and urges stronger government action.

Chris Whitty’s annual report emphasizes the urgent need to address 'healthy food deserts' in urban areas, where affordable nutritious options are scarce.
The report proposes a levy on unhealthy food products, including options such as a sugar and salt tax or an excess profits tax on high-fat, high-sugar producers.
Children in deprived areas face disproportionate exposure to junk food advertising, with four out of five billboards in poorer regions promoting unhealthy products.
Whitty warns that current voluntary measures for food reformulation have failed to achieve meaningful progress, urging mandatory regulations instead.
The report also highlights broader urban health challenges, including air pollution and limited access to green spaces, which exacerbate health inequalities.