UK’s new pre-watershed junk food ad ban
Discover how the UK’s new watershed junk food ad ban aims to combat child obesity. Starting October 2025!
In an effort led by the Labour government, the UK is set to ban junk food advertisements on TV before the 9pm watershed and online entirely, effective from October 2025.
The ban is proposed to take effect from October 2025, this move will restrict television advertisements for items high in fat, salt, and sugar exclusively to post-9 pm slots. Additionally, analogous online advertisements will be banned entirely.
This legislation aims to reduce childhood obesity rates by curtailing the influence of unhealthy food marketing on young audiences.
According to Andrew Gwynne, the public health minister, this initiative directly responds to the concern over the rising number of overweight children.
Current statistics reveal that over one in five children in England are overweight or obese at the onset of primary school, a figure that escalates to more than one-third by the time they finish.
The urgency to implement these advertisement restrictions has been propelled by this alarming trend.
Critics, including prominent political figures and health activists, have highlighted previous delays in similar initiatives as prioritising commercial interests over public health.
Previous governments postponed these decisions, citing various socio-economic reasons—decisions met with robust opposition.
Health campaigners have long advocated for these changes, emphasising how child-targeted advertising significantly shapes dietary preferences and health outcomes.
By reducing the visibility of junk food marketing, the government aims to diminish its normalcy and allure, hopefully curbing consumption among youth.
Comment by Allen Carr’s Easyway
At Allen Carr’s Easyway, we recognize the profound impact of media and advertising on addiction and consumption patterns.
We fully support the UK government’s decision to ban pre-watershed junk food advertising which we believe will reduce exposure to unhealthy eating behaviours in young people.
However, as with other addictions and issues, banning advertising is not enough on its own and it is crucial to create a healthier environment for children. This needs to include improved education and support for families to facilitate natural choices for healthier alternatives, or this will not succeed in reducing the obesity timebomb.
