Food labels in the UK are not doing enough to combat rising obesity rates, according to a new study. Researchers argue that the current labelling system fails to guide consumers towards healthier choices, with ultra-processed foods (UPFs) dominating supermarket shelves. The study highlights that environmental factors, including packaging and marketing, heavily influence purchasing decisions, often leading to unhealthy options.
The research, led by experts at Imperial College London, warns that without immediate intervention, over half of the world's adults could be obese by 2050. Professor Franco Sassi, a public health researcher, stated that individuals often believe they are in control of their food choices, but evidence shows the environment determines what they select. “Everything in our lives is really controlled by what we see in the environment that surrounds us,” he said.
Successful examples from other countries demonstrate the potential of better labelling. In Chile, mandatory black warning labels on high-sugar, high-salt, and high-calorie products led to a 23.8% decline in purchases of high-calorie items. Similarly, the Nutri-score system in France, which uses colour-coded letters from A (healthy) to E (unhealthy), has been adopted by 1,500 brands and is gaining support for mandatory use across Europe.
The study calls for policy changes to improve food labelling and consumer education. Experts argue that small changes to packaging can make a surprising difference, but stronger measures are needed to address the “obesogenic” food environment. Without action, the global obesity crisis will continue to escalate, the researchers warn.
